An independent panel announced recently will strengthen efforts to protect New Zealand's forest giant, at the same time as public consultation gets underway to further boost those efforts.
Biosecurity New Zealand's Roger Smith, chair of the Kauri Dieback Programme Governance Group, says the Accelerating Protection for Kauri Independent Panel will bring further focus, insight and leadership to drive the programme already underway.
"I'm delighted to announce the appointment of the panel members, who bring extensive experience, skill, mana and a shared passion in our mission to save the kauri," Mr Smith says.
"Collectively, they represent a wide range of interests and strong expertise in the fields of biosecurity, environmental science, conservation, research, policy, Maori development, management and leadership."
The panel's role will be to bring a new perspective to the management of kauri dieback disease and provide advice to the Kauri Dieback Programme Governance Group to assist with key decisions.