Serious fungal plant disease found on Raoul Island trees
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and the Department of Conservation (DOC) are working together to address a
confirmed find of the fungal plant disease myrtle rust on Kermadec pohutukawa trees on Raoul Island.
Myrtle rust (Puccinia psidii), also known as guava rust and eucalyptus rust, is a fungal infection that could have
serious impacts on a wide range of plants in the myrtle family. If it were to enter mainland New Zealand, it could
affect iconic New Zealand plants pohutukawa, kanuka, manuka and rata, as well as commercially-grown species such as
eucalyptus, guava and feijoa.
MPI’s Director Readiness and Response, Geoff Gwyn, says myrtle rust spores can carry long distances on the wind,
however, the Raoul Island location is very remote from mainland New Zealand.
“It’s over one thousand kilometres to the northeast of Northland and access to the island is strictly controlled and
only by permit. Those visiting Raoul Island are mainly scientists and maintenance people, mostly working for DOC.
“DOC staff discovered the small number of affected trees and safely transported samples back to New Zealand for testing,
following strict biosecurity protocols,” Mr Gwyn says.
“Our focus right now is to do what we can to protect the unique Raoul Island ecosystem from this disease, and to prevent
the further spread of the fungus to mainland New Zealand.
“We’re working closely with DOC, iwi and local authorities on a range of options and will do everything feasible. We
will be taking the advice of a number of technical experts in this field, including in Australia where they have
experience in dealing with myrtle rust.”
Mr Gwyn says strict precautions are in place to make sure people, equipment and samples being brought back to mainland
New Zealand pose no risk of transmitting infection.
New Zealand already has stringent biosecurity measures to protect against myrtle rust introduction, including a complete
ban on imports of cut flowers and foliage from myrtle species from New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. Myrtle rust
is well established along the eastern seaboard of Australia and in New Caledonia.
Anyone believing they have seen myrtle rust on plants in New Zealand should call MPI on 0800 80 99 66. Do not attempt to
collect samples as this may aid in the spread of the disease.
ends