Efforts to save the Peninsula's kauri from disease have taken a major step forward with Coromandel Kauri Dieback Forum appointing a new co-ordinator.

The appointment of Tairua's Alison Smith follows workshops held last year to identify ways to limit the impact of kauri dieback disease (Phytophthera agathis).

The Coromandel Kauri Dieback Forum has appointed Tairua's Alison Smith as its new co-ordinator. Kauri dieback, as seen in the image, was first confirmed on the Peninsula in March 2014. Photo: File

Alison will help set up, support and co-ordinate community-led programmes to contain the spread of kauri dieback disease in the Coromandel area.

Interim Forum chair Vivienne McLean says they are extremely grateful to the Department of Conservation for the funding which has made this possible.

'We are confident Alison's communications expertise and experience in working with community groups, plus her energy and creative thinking, will enable the Forum to make significant progress from now on.

'Setting up and supporting local groups will be a top priority, and over the next six months she will be establishing contact and working with schools, developing closer relationships with local iwi and helping us organise our next forum, among other work.”

Kauri dieback disease was first confirmed on the Peninsula last March in the Hukarahi Reserve near Whitianga, and infected sites have since been identified in the Whangapoua catchment.

Sites reported by locals in other parts of the Peninsula are currently being investigated.

The volunteer organisation works alongside the Kauri Dieback Management Programme, Department of Conservation, and the Thames Coromandel District and Waikato Regional Councils.

The forum believes it will take a combination of individual effort and a collective rallying of communities to stop further loss of this iconic species.

Alison says it could be seen as a very daunting task, given what kauri face, but local communities are proving to be very passionate about protecting their kauri.

'The Forum is just one component in growing network of individuals, organisations and agencies committed to working together to save this iconic species,” says Alison.

'In my previous roles with TCDC and Waikato Regional Council I've learned how very lucky we are on the Coromandel to have our networks of residents who generously give their time and energy to volunteering, so it is a real honour to be in this role.”

Alison says the Forum wishes to hear from anyone who would like to help, whether with ideas or practical actions out in the bush.

Every individual can play a vital role in protecting kauri, at work and at play, by helping to spread the word and by observing the proper hygiene procedures.

Alison believes the message is pretty simple.

'Kauri dieback disease is spread through soil movement, so cleanliness is the key, whether you're tramping, mountain biking, hunting, undertaking pest control, fencing or property development.

'Scrub your boots, walking poles and any equipment or machinery completely free of soil before and after going into the bush, every time.

'If you would like to get more involved, contact me about becoming a kauri champion and be part of the great group of people that make up the Coromandel Kauri Dieback Forum.”

Kauri dieback disease kills kauri of all sizes and ages, and there is currently no known cure.

New Zealand has only around 1 per cent of its kauri remaining, which makes efforts to reduce the threat from the microscopic Phytophthora taxon Agathis (PTA) disease even more urgent.

Kauri Dieback Programme Relationship Manager Ian Mitchell says the support of both the kauri dieback programme partners and the community is vital for managing PTA spread.

'Kauri is a taonga and incredibly important to New Zealanders and all the programme partners are fully committed to managing the spread of this disease,” says Ian. 'Engagement with tangata whenua is also crucial.

'All tangata whenua groups across Coromandel and Hauraki are being approached to become active partners in the Forum.

For more information about kauri dieback and ways you can help stop its spread contact Alison Smith on 07-864-7553 or visit the Coromandel Kauri Dieback Forum's at: www.kauridieback.co.nz