How we are protecting kauri trees

Kauri trees are under threat from kauri dieback disease (Phytophthora agathidicida).

The fungus-like organism is spread by just a pinhead of mud or soil, and infects the tree through its roots.

People are major carriers of the disease, as are larger animals like dogs, pigs and goats.

Visit the Keep Kauri Standing website for more information about kauri dieback.

We are working with the Department of Conservation and other local organisations across Tāmaki Makaurau to:

• slow the spread of kauri dieback
• protect healthy forests
• ensure the survival of our native kauri trees.

The Natural Environment Targeted Rate provides funding for this work.

To protect healthy and at-risk kauri, we have closed a number of forested areas and tracks around the region.

These closures include:

• the forested areas of the Waitākere Ranges (with some exceptions)
• high-risk tracks in the Hūnua Ranges and parts of the Franklin area
• high-risk tracks in the Kaipātiki area
• selected tracks on Waiheke Island.

For more information about what tracks are closed, visit the Protect our kauri trees page.

Controlled Area Notices apply to parts of the Waitākere and Hūnua ranges under the Biosecurity Act.

If you enter these areas, you must:

• make sure your shoes and equipment are free of visible soil
• use hygiene stations at track entrances and exits.

These steps help stop the spread of kauri dieback.

Visit the Ministry of Primary Industries' kauri dieback website for more information on the CAN.

In some cases, there may be exemptions to CANs under the the Biosecurity Act, for example research or cultural purposes.

You may need additional permits as well.

To apply, email kauri@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz with your completed exemption form.

National Pest Management Plan – Phytophthora agathidicida (NPMP –PA)

NPMP has the strongest biosecurity measures in place under the Biosecurity Act 1993. It defines how to manage established pests and diseases in New Zealand.

NPMP can help to manage the harmful pathogen Phytophthora agathidicida (PA) which causes the kauri dieback disease. The plan provides a framework that brings together government, Māori, councils and communities to protect kauri. It provides:

• clear objectives for managing kauri dieback across the country
• a collaborative and consistent approach
• powers under the Biosecurity Act for actions that reduce the spread of the disease
• stronger support for long-term protection and investment.

On 2 August 2022, 10 rules were introduced to help stop the spread of the disease. These rules focus on reducing the movement of contaminated soil and protecting kauri roots. Auckland Council supports these efforts by helping people understand and follow the rules through education and awareness programmes.

Learn more about the Biosecurity Order 2022.

The Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) is also created under the Biosecurity Act. The RPMP aims to prevent further spread of the disease across the region, especially by preventing spread to areas that appear to be disease free.

Under the RPMP, rules apply to protect our kauri forests from the risk of kauri dieback disease spreading further:

• You must not move kauri dieback within the region.
• You must not move kauri plant material, soil or goods contaminated with soil or dirt into or out of an area within three times the dripline of any kauri tree anywhere in the region.
• You must not move kauri plants or plant material to or among Hauraki Gulf islands.
• All commercial transport operators in the Hauraki Gulf must hold a Pest-free Warrant.
• Commercial passenger boat or aircraft exit or entry points to the Hauraki Gulf must provide passengers with access to Auckland Council hygiene stations and information.
• You must not move kauri plant material, soil or goods contaminated with soil or dirt into the Hūnua kauri dieback exclusion zone unless sourced from a nursery supplier certified under the Plant Pass scheme core standard and kauri dieback schedule.

Surveillance and monitoring

We carry out regular surveys to understand where kauri dieback is present and also identify healthy trees.

We have completed these surveys, including:

• Waitākere Ranges Regional Park (2021)
• Hūnua Ranges and Āwhitu Peninsula (2023)
• Hauraki Gulf islands:
  • Aotea/ Great Barrier Island (ongoing)
  • Waiheke Island (2026/2027)
  • Ponui/ Chamberlins Island (2026/2027)
  • Te Hauturu-o-Toi / Little Barrier Island (2026/2027)

Passive surveillance

There is ongoing surveillance in parks and reserves to look for high-risk animal or plant pests by using:

• trail cameras
• traps
• volunteer monitoring teams.

We also carry out surveillance in private properties if landowners reports of suspected:

• pests
• diseases
• environmental threats.

This can lead to further investigation. This is part of the compliance monitoring to make sure the landowners meet their obligations.

Research

We support research to better understand and manage kauri dieback, including:

• finding ways to detect kauri dieback from infected trees, contaminated soil and water
• treatment options and symptom management
• how the disease spreads
• long-term impacts on forest ecosystems
• partnering with universities to fund new investigations.

Treatment

We apply phosphite treatments to protect kauri from the dieback disease. Phosphite is not a permanent cure and its application needs to be repeated after five years.

We are also treating high priority sites at local parks where kauri dieback is present during the 2025-2026 summers.

Education and community support

We work with communities to help protect kauri and reduce the spread of disease.

This includes:

• community engagement and events, including promoting our kauri volunteers to raise awareness of kauri dieback
• working with the Sustainable Schools programme and providing resources for schools and landowners
• providing guidance and workshops for contractors, stakeholders and track users
• promoting good practices and practical advice to help people care for kauri.

Detection dogs (Kauri K9s)

Specially trained dogs can detect phytophthora agathidicida and help locate infected areas.

Check the Our Auckland article on The science of sniffs – evaluating dogs to detect plant pathogens to learn why dogs plan an important role in detecting plant diseases.

In December 2017, Te Kawerau ā Maki placed a rāhui over Te Wao Nui-a-Tiriwa (the Waitākere Ranges forest). The rāhui restricts access to help protect the forest and prevents further spread of kauri dieback.

Visit The Rāhui to learn more.

Protecting kauri on Aotea / Great Barrier Island

Kauri on Aotea / Great Barrier Island are part of ancient forest ecosystems and are culturally significant taonga A treasured item, tangible or intangible. .

Kauri dieback has affected the island since the 1970s. We still do not fully understand how widespread it is.

Some areas, including Te Paparahi in the north, are believed to remain disease-free.

Health survey

Auckland Council is working with the Department of Conservation and Ngāti Rehua Ngātiwai ki Aotea Trust to carry out a new kauri health survey in 2026.

The survey will:

• map kauri using aerial imagery and artificial intelligence technology
• assess the health of around 540 trees
• collect soil samples to test the disease.

It will take place across:

• regional parks including Glenfern Sanctuary Regional Parkland
• public conservation land
• selected private properties with permission.

Importance of the survey

This work will help us:

• understand how far kauri dieback has spread on the island
• identify areas where kauri are still healthy
• improve how we protect and manage kauri in the future.