John Carter: Another biosecurity threat

Myrtle rust is a serious biosecurity threat to our native plants and trees.

As I write this, an infestation of myrtle rust has been discovered at a second Kerikeri plant nursery.

Like many of you, I prayed that the Far North would be spared this latest threat to our flora and fauna. We've already confronted the bee-attacking varroa mite, our kiwifruit industry has been seriously threatened by Psa fungus, and another fungus is sapping the life from our mighty kauri trees.

Far North mayor John Carter

Unfortunately, the odds of dodging this latest invader were always slim. We can't control the wind, which the experts agree is how the spores of this fungus most likely arrived in our district.

It is unthinkable that plants such as manuka, feijoa and pohutukawa, which are so much a part of our heritage and national identity, might be blighted by myrtle rust. As Kiwis we have a patriotic duty to fight this scourge before it becomes established.

No one knows yet how badly myrtle rust will affect plants here in New Zealand, but we know that the South American fungus has been destroying a number of tree species in Australia for the past seven years.

At the very least, this disease will seriously disrupt our growing manuka honey and feijoa industries. At worst, those industries will be destroyed, and we will witness the widespread loss of manuka, kanuka and pohutukawa.

It's easy to feel powerless when faced with a threat that can't be seen or contained.
But this is no time to be despondent. After all, Psa did not destroy our kiwifruit industry. Nor has the varroa mite killed all our bees.

We adapted to those challenges by working together, locally and nationally.

That is the best way for us to respond to this latest challenge.

The Ministry for Primary Industries and Department of Conservation have launched a major ground operation in a bid to contain the fungal disease, and local agencies, including the Far North District Council, are doing what they can to assist them in this endeavour.

We are relying on communities to help us identify how far myrtle rust might have become established. I encourage Northland Age readers, wherever you live, to check your gardens and favourite forest and coastal areas for plants with yellow growths on their leaves. You can report any tell-tale signs of infection to the Ministry for Primary Industries by phoning 0800 809-966.

Please also make an effort to stay informed about how the Ministry and DOC are combating this serious biosecurity threat.

It is unthinkable that plants such as manuka, feijoa and pohutukawa, which are so much a part of our heritage and national identity, might be blighted by myrtle rust.

As Kiwis we have a patriotic duty to fight this scourge before it becomes established. Please do everything you can before it is too late.