Education for Chinese over kauri dieback

Kauri dieback is a big problem and education is paramount

The Kauri Dieback Programme and the Chinese Conservation Education Trust have shaken hands on a $20,000 partnership to help fight the kauri killing disease.

Conservation Minister Maggie Barry said the scheme will help inform Chinese New Zealanders and Chinese tourists about the danger posed to New Zealand's iconic trees by the spread of the disease. Visitors to kauri forests can unwittingly spread the spores on dirty footwear and equipment.

Estella Lee, chairperson of the Chinese Conservation Education Trust, said the $20,000 grant will allow the trust to get key conservation messages to Chinese people. Some of the money will be used to lead tours to kauri forests to highlight the disease and explain cleaning practices.

The trust will also run competitions and community events to promote kauri dieback awareness.

It is the first community engagement project funded through a $480,000 donation to the Kauri Dieback Programme from the Tindall and Aotearoa foundations.

The Department of Conservation is investing more than $21.6 million to upgrade tracks through kauri forests and install footwear cleaning stations.

A high level of infection by the kauri dieback disease has killed the public's chance to wander through Logues Bush Scenic Reserve near Wellsford. The Department of Conservation's indefinite closure of the reserve last week is supported by local iwi Ngati Manuhiri.

Kauri dieback, caused by the microscopic spore Phytophthora taxon agathis, attacks the tree's roots and destroys tissues which carry water and nutrients.