INDEPENDENT NEWS

Coopers Creek Vineyard joins the fight for kauri forests

Published: Wed 3 Apr 2013 05:31 PM
3 April 2013
Coopers Creek Vineyard joins the fight to save our kauri forests
The Kauri Dieback (KDB) Programme has formed a marketing alliance with New Zealand vineyard Coopers Creek, in an effort to slow the spread of kauri dieback disease.
Relationship Manager for the KDB Programme, Ian Mitchell says, “We are really excited and pleased to welcome Coopers Creek into the ‘save our kauri forests whānau’. Kauri dieback is a devastating disease. Hundreds of our majestic kauri trees have died and we need all the help we can get to prevent it spreading.
Coopers Creek winery is close to Auckland’s Waitakere Ranges where many patches of the forest have been decimated. “We’re acutely aware of the kauri dieback problem”, says Coopers Creek General Manager, David Nicholas.
“We want to help raise awareness of kauri dieback and encourage forest users to clean soil off footwear and equipment before and after forest visits. It’s the one simple thing we can all do to help stop the spread of this terrible disease.”
Coopers Creek’s ‘Lone Kauri’ brand will carry the Kauri dieback programme message on its label and feature promotional material at tastings, events and point of sale locations all around the upper North Island.
Ian Mitchell says, “Working with Coopers Creek means we can broaden our reach into new communities and help spread the message – not the disease. We are very mindful of being associated with an alcohol product, but after many discussions with Coopers Creek we were convinced that they are a passionate and responsible organisation.”
David Nicholas agrees that supporting the Programme fits with their company’s philosophy, “Wine is about moderate consumption and about good times with good friends. It’s about conversations and connecting with people. We see this environment as perfect for raising awareness and understanding of kauri dieback”.
The KDB Programme is a joint venture between Tāngata Whenua, Ministry for Primary Industries, Department of Conservation, Northland Regional Council, Auckland Council, Waikato Regional Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council. It is undertaking a wide-ranging programme to understand the complexities of the disease, including how to control or cure it. Until more is known the preventative measures of soil removal before and after forest visits is essential.
Kauri dieback is caused by Phytophthora taxon Agathis, a fungus-like disease where microscopic spores in the soil infect kauri roots and damage the tissues that carry nutrients within the tree. Infected trees show a range of symptoms including yellowing of foliage, loss of leaves, canopy thinning, dead branches and lesions that bleed resin at the base of the trunk. It kills kauri of all ages including small saplings and giants that are many hundreds of years old.
For more information visit www.kauridieback.co.nz
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