The Coromandel Kauri Dieback Forum has welcomed the recent closures of the Hukarahi Block near Whitianga and the iconic Manaia Sanctuary to prevent the spread of kauri dieback.

The Department of Conservation announced the closures last month with forum chair Vivienne McLean saying it is a vital step in protecting Coromandel kauri from the fatal disease.

A bleeding lesions on a tree's trunk is one symptom of kauri dieback disease. Photo: Keep Kauri Standing

'The Hukarahi Block contains the first dieback-infected site to be identified on the Peninsula, and its continued closure to the public will help contain the disease on this site,” says Vivienne.

'Kauri dieback has not, to date, been detected in the Manaia Sanctuary, and closure will provide an extra level of protection for this last remaining area of ecologically important, unmodified mature kauri forest.”

Other infected sites have been identified in several areas of the Whangapoua catchment.

The forum says it's important residents and visitors to the Coromandel observe good hygiene practices every time they visit or work in forests containing kauri on the Peninsula.

This means scrubbing all soil off footwear, mountain bike tyres, walking poles and any other equipment and machinery that contacts the ground, both before and after every forest visit.

Vivenne says it is fortunate there's only a limited number of infected sites detected on the Coromandel, so everyone can still make a real difference.

'Anyone who has been in kauri forests in Northland, Auckland or Great Barrier Island needs to be especially scrupulous, and everyone visiting or working in Coromandel forests also needs to make sure they are not transferring soil from one Peninsula location to another.

'Don't assume there'll be a hygiene station at every track – clean your gear before you leave home and again when you get back.

'It is really important we each take personal responsibility for protecting our kauri.”

The forum is running a workshop especially designed for Whangapoua landowners and people working in Whangapoua forests at the Whangapoua Fire Station on Saturday, March 26, from 9.15am.

The free half-day workshop will focus on practical steps to reduce the risk of spreading the disease, including systems for cleaning gear and equipment, managing visitors, what contractors and hunters should do, stock management, and what funding assistance is available for fencing.

The Coromandel Kauri Dieback Forum is a network of volunteers working to prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease on the Peninsula through advocacy and education, supporting community-based efforts to protect local kauri.

For more information about the Coromandel Kauri Dieback Forum or the Whangapoua Workshop on Saturday, March 26 email: [email protected]