Source: Northland Regional Council
Visitors and locals in Northland are being urged to follow simple hygiene protocols to protect the region’s iconic native forests from kauri dieback.
Jack Craw, chair of the Northland Regional Council’s Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party, says kauri dieback remains one of the most significant threats to native forests.
Councillor Craw was speaking in the wake of the recent completion of a 400-metre section of track upgraded at Tuariki Road, Bream Tail, another milestone in a five-year effort supported primarily by the Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI) Tiakina Kauri programme.
However, he says despite significant investment by central and local government around the region, including two new hygiene stations the regional council had installed last year in Whangārei’s Mair Park and at nearby Vale Rd at a cost of nearly $20,000, many people were still failing to follow simple biosecurity protocols.
“Kauri dieback is not an abstract threat…it’s happening now,” says Cr Craw. “Unfortunately, our staff estimate that in places as many as seven out of 10 people are ignoring hygiene stations.”
“When spoken to, some even say, ‘I’m local, my shoes are clean,’ but that kind of attitude risks the future of one of our most iconic tree species.” “Once this disease gets into an area, it’s there for good, we simply cannot stop it.”
He says the consequences of kauri dieback are already visible around Northland.
“Areas like Kaiwaka and Kauri Mountain are seeing trees succumb to the disease, and with kauri standing within 60 metres of Tāne Mahuta – New Zealand’s most famous giant – it’s crucial that locals and visitors alike comply with hygiene protocols.”
Councillor Craw says the council’s message to people is simple: “Clean your boots, use the hygiene stations, and help safeguard New Zealand’s ancient forests before it’s too late.”
That messaging was even more important with the onset of winter and the increased risks of shifting mud and soil around on footwear.
Councillor Craw says while he’s reluctant to single out a particular group of forest users, runners are often the worst offenders.
“In some places, they literally just jump over the older ‘barrel and grate’ hygiene stations.”
He says when approached by regional council staff, many people claimed they haven’t seen signs about kauri dieback.
“Parents and families tend to be more mindful, but education remains key.”
He says with large areas of tracks upgraded and boardwalks installed across Northland through government funding in recent years, the push to protect those forests needed to be matched with public cooperation.
“We’re fortunate to have strong support from the wider council and MPI, but we need everyone to play their part.” “Kauri is integral to our national identity, particularly here in Northland, and it’s up to us to ensure its survival.”
