Forest & Bird last week expressed "deep horror and sadness" at news that the Department of Conservation had confirmed kauri dieback disease in Puketi Forest.
DoC introduced kauri dieback mitigation measures in Puketi last year, including closing eight tracks, to prevent the spread , but it appeared that the kauri may have been infected for some time.
"We are very disappointed that kauri dieback has been found in Puketi, and had been working hard to protect the forest from the disease," biodiversity ranger Dan O'Halloran said.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
The public can help prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease by:
* Cleaning footwear and gear of all soil before and after visiting a kauri forest.
* Thoroughly cleaning gear before leaving home.
* Using hygiene stations before entering a forest, and staying on tracks.
* If using poles, ensuring they are also cleaned and only placed on a track, or not using them in kauri forests.
"The infected tree is in a remote location, not near tracks or trap lines or other areas where people are likely to go. We are beginning additional surveillance and sampling work in the immediate vicinity, and also on tracks and traplines in the surrounding area."