It is universally accepted that kauri dieback is killing the iconic trees to the point where they are threatened with extinction, the disease infecting the roots and damaging the tissues that transport nutrients and water within the tree, basically starving it to death.
The extent of the problem will not be known, however, until the completion of another annual aerial survey, which will identify dead or dying trees to help manage and prevent the spread of the disease.
Northland Regional Council biosecurity manager Kane McElrea said the survey, which would include the Aupouri Peninsula and the Kaitaia area, between this month and March, would also provide valuable data on the overall health of Northland's forests.
"Identifying where kauri dieback is in Northland will ensure that land owners, tangata whenua and agencies can better-manage the disease and stop it spreading further in Northland," he said.
"This information will then inform decisions such as which tracks should be upgraded first, or which activity groups need to be worked with and educated in order to reduce the risk of the disease being spread."
