Ambassadors sought to keep kauri standing

The Waitākere Ranges Local Board is seeking ambassadors to help prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease.

“Our board would like to see a network of kauri advocates to help maintain boot cleaning stations, to speak with walkers and to keep an eye on our forest,” says Waitākere Ranges Local Board member Saffron Toms, who holds the board’s environment portfolio.

Ambassadors, and keen walkers, KT and Leanne Ho are out in the ranges most weekends. They run a walking group and reinforce the message about cleaning footwear and equipment, staying on the track and off kauri roots at every opportunity. They also remind their group to clean the tips of their walking poles, which could transmit the disease.

“KT and Leanne Ho are a great example of how people already enjoying the Waitākere Ranges can give something back,” says Saffron.

“We want to hear from people right now who may be interested in becoming a kauri ambassador so that we can provide them with the tools and information they need to talk with walkers or maintain boot cleaning stations during the busy spring and summer walking season. We will train people to become ambassadors and then they can give as much time as they wish.”

The board has provided funding for Kauri Dieback Community Coordinator Christine Rose to organise kauri ambassadors and to help coordinate the efforts of the various community groups who are contributing to fighting kauri dieback.

Right now tracks are extra muddy with winter’s rain, which means more risk of spreading kauri dieback disease, so walkers need to remember to scrub all mud from shoes and wash them before and after visiting kauri areas.

“There are boot cleaning stations at track entrances, exits and some junctions in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, with the disinfectant trigene, to help stop the spread of kauri dieback. Stopping the spread of the disease requires us all to scrub then spray our shoes when going in or out of the forest, and every time we see a spray station along the track,” says Christine.

“It’s also essential to stick to tracks, keep dogs on leash and stay off kauri roots. Because kauri dieback is spread on soil, even a small amount of dirt on shoes, or dogs’ paws, can transmit the disease.”

Private property owners have also led the charge in protecting kauri, many of whom have significant kauri on their own property. In Karekare, John Edgar, local landowner and Chair of the Waitakere Ranges Protection Society, says he avoids visiting significant kauri on his property for fear of introducing the disease.

“The best way to care for the healthy trees on my land is to leave them alone, to avoid walking on or near the roots, and to admire them from afar,” he says.

Auckland Council offers free tree inspections for those who may be concerned a kauri on their property might have the disease, and the team is always willing to offer advice or resources to help protect kauri.

To enquire about a free tree inspection, or to find out more about becoming a kauri dieback ambassador, contact Kauri Dieback Community Coordinator Christine Rose on christine.rose@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or 09 890 8042.

For more information on kauri dieback visit: http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/EN/environmentwaste/biosecurity/Pages/kauridieback.aspx

ENDS

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