New panel to peer review Northland kauri dieback recovery efforts

A dieback-affected kauri tree at Albany Scenic Reserve, Auckland.

Another layer of bureaucracy has been added to the kauri dieback programme — an independent panel to investigate how well the current system is working.

The panel has been set up to peer review and advise on key elements of the strategy to save the iconic trees from the killer disease.

Some key elements of the strategy and processes now up for independent review have been practised for nine years, since the Government-led multi-agency Kauri Dieback Programme Governance Group was formed in 2009.

The new Accelerating Protection for Kauri Independent Panel will examine the draft programme strategy and be adviser to the working team and governance group.

Its members are Dr Barry O'Neil, (chairman); Kevin Prime, Ngati Hine; Maree McEntee, University of Auckland; and Lindsay Bulman, Scion.

Their early focus will be on current methods and efficacy, and engagement with Maori and other stakeholders.

The news of the panel coincided with the Ministry for Primary Industries announcing a round of public consultation to glean feedback on the governance group's kauri dieback management strategy.

That feedback could help shape the strategy's future direction.

The meetings start in Northland today and tomorrow, with others in Auckland and Thames later in the week.

John Sanson, Manager Recovery and Pest Management, Biosecurity New Zealand, said the newly appointed panel will bring a fresh perspective to how agencies and communities manage the disease.

The costs of the panel and other dieback projects will not affect funds currently allocated to managing the disease on the ground, Sanson said.

''The panel will, in fact, help us build a more robust case for future investment in the programme.''

Roger Smith, chairman of the governance group, said the panel will bring further focus, insight and leadership to drive the overall programme.

He described this week's consultation as helping to ''get a big picture view for managing kauri dieback''.

"Collectively, [the panel members] represent a wide range of interests and strong expertise in the fields of biosecurity, environmental science, conservation, research, policy, Māori development, management and leadership,'' Smith said.

The Northland public meetings are on today,10am-3pm, Mangamuka Marae, Mangamuka; 7pm-9pm Barge Park Showgrounds Event Centre, Maunu Rd, Whangārei; tomorrow,10am-3pm, Te Puna o Te Mātauranga Marae, Northtec, Raumanga Valley Road, Whangārei.

Agendas and feedback forms are on the website Kauridieback.co.nz