A further three locations in Taranaki have been confirmed positive for myrtle rust infection, bringing the total known number of affected properties nationwide to eight.
Two of the new infections are in residential gardens, one in Waitara near the original nursery where the disease was discovered, and one in Waitui.
The third is in a Taranaki Regional Council-run plant depot which supplies plants to farmers for riparian planting.
The rust poses a major threat to cherished native myrtle species like pohutukawa, manuka and rata, as well as well as feijoa and bottle brush.
Read more about the myrtle rust infection HERE.