KEY POINTS:
A suspect algae sample, which it was feared could be the North Island's first confirmed case of didymo, has been cleared.
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand said the sample from the Rangitikei River was not didymo.
It was tested by NIWA in Christchurch and was found to be Gomphoneis, a native alga, biosecurity response manager David Hayes said.
He said: "We commend the person who reported their concern for doing the right thing and allowing it to be tested.
"Although no North Island rivers are known to be affected by didymo, it is extremely risky to assume any river anywhere in New Zealand is "didymo-free" because didymo is often microscopic and the risk will not always be apparent."
- NZHERALD STAFF
