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The threat of kauri dieback moved closer to the Hibiscus Coast with two trees in Eave’s Bush, Orewa, identified as possibly infected.
However, although the trees were noted as ‘possibly infected’ from a visual inspection by Auckland Council’s biosecurity team recently, soil samples were negative for the disease.
It was a wake up call that comes as Council seeks to prevent the spread of kauri dieback in Auckland’s parks and reserves.
Around 350 parks in Auckland contain kauri. Around $10 million a year from the Natural Environment targeted rate that all Auckland ratepayers are paying will go towards protecting healthy kauri. Council biosecurity manager – kauri dieback, Lisa Tolich, told the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board last month that much of this will be spent on track infrastructure.
The first priority is parks and reserves that have been assessed as having high to medium value kauri ecosystems as well as high to medium recreational value. Eave’s Bush is the only local reserve in this category (Category A).
Temporary closure of the reserve, as well as upgrading or realigning tracks, where needed, are the key preventatives proposed.
Lisa told the local board that Council wants to work with volunteers on these projects – Eave’s Bush Appreciation Group has been undertaking weeding, rubbish removal, pest control and track upgrading work in the reserve for years. Lisa said while the targeted rate will unlock funding for the work, “it is not a grants scheme”. “Community groups will need to work alongside Council, as the work needs to comply with national standards,” she said.
A report detailing the recommended kauri dieback mitigation measures for local parks will be presented to the local board in a few months.
