Kauri dieback consultation hui launched

Three million hectares of northern New Zealand surveyed for kauri dieback

An independent panel announced recently will strengthen efforts to protect New Zealand's forest giant, at the same time as public consultation gets underway to further boost those efforts.

Biosecurity New Zealand's Roger Smith, chair of the Kauri Dieback Programme Governance Group, says the Accelerating Protection for Kauri Independent Panel will bring further focus, insight and leadership to drive the programme already underway.

"I'm delighted to announce the appointment of the panel members, who bring extensive experience, skill, mana and a shared passion in our mission to save the kauri," Mr Smith says.

"Collectively, they represent a wide range of interests and strong expertise in the fields of biosecurity, environmental science, conservation, research, policy, Maori development, management and leadership."

The panel's role will be to bring a new perspective to the management of kauri dieback disease and provide advice to the Kauri Dieback Programme Governance Group to assist with key decisions.

Public consultation is also open to gather feedback on the future direction for managing kauri dieback.

This will include hui and community meetings in Northland, Auckland and Thames from July 2. The process gives people a chance to have their say and contribute thoughts and ideas, which will ultimately help enhance protection efforts.

The hui began in Northland on July 2 and 3, before heading to Auckland on July 4, wrapping up in Thames on Thursday and Friday, July 5 and 6. They are open to everyone.

Public feedback can also be provided via email or in writing though the kauri dieback website www.kauridieback.co.nz. Details of the hui and meeting venues can also be found on the website. Consultation closes on July 16.

Smith said the consultation will help get a big picture view for managing kauri dieback that will feed into development of the National Pest Management Plan, one of a range of tougher measures announced by the Government late last year to help combat the disease.

"The purpose of the hui is to get ideas and feedback to ultimately strengthen, refresh and enhance the national strategy and drive development of the pest management plan. It will also support the programme of work already underway to help combat the spread of kauri dieback.

"Collective action is needed to identify new ways and actions to protect kauri, and everyone who wants to should have their say."