Kauri are the kings of the forest and one of Aotearoa’s unique taonga. In the Bay of Plenty, there has been no Kauri dieback detected to date and we need your help to keep it that way
DID YOU KNOW
- Kauri are a taonga (treasure) of Aotearoa New Zealand. As long-lived ecosystem engineers, they create forests that sustain a plethora of indigenous species and enrich the wellbeing of the people that visit and inhabit the upper North Island.
- Kauri forests are among the most ancient forests in the world and are a taonga of the Māori ancestral spiritual world. Kauri are long-lived, often living more than 600 years, with Tāne Mahuta being estimated to be between 1,250 and 2,500 years old.
- In addition to their spiritual significance, kauri have an important role in forest health and biodiversity. Kauri are considered ‘ecosystem engineers’ with their presence changing soil environments, providing protection from erosion and flooding and creating environments that sustain a unique mix of indigenous plant life.
- Kauri trees naturally grow in the upper North Island, creating unique natural environments loved by New Zealanders and tourists alike, contributing to overall wellbeing, attracting visitors and generating economic activity.
- Kauri are at risk of becoming extinct if we don’t limit the spread of Phytophthora agathidicida (called PA for short), a pathogen that causes kauri ‘dieback’ disease.
- In the Bay of Plenty, there has been no kauri disease detected to date and we need your help to keep it that way.
- We can all help protect kauri by arriving and leaving kauri forests with clean footwear and gear, following hygiene station instructions, and staying on tracks.