New Zealand Myrtle Rust strategy 2019-2023

The New Zealand Myrtle Rust Strategy 2019-2023 provides the framework to guide a collective and collaborative approach to dealing with myrtle rust over the next five years.

Strategy vision: The mauri of myrtle plants and dependent ecosystems is safeguarded and sustained.

Approved by the Myrtle Rust Governance Group in 2019, the strategy focuses on:
• growing knowledge of myrtle rust behaviour and impacts;
• identifying options for its future management and minimising impacts;
• identifying ways to conserve genetic material of myrtle species; and
• supporting tāngata whenua, partners and stakeholders as they make decisions about their plants and the places affected by myrtle rust that are important to them.

The strategy was prepared by Biosecurity New Zealand following a series of workshops with key partners and stakeholders.

A science plan was developed by the Myrtle Rust Strategic Science Advisory Group to sit under the strategy. It ensures that myrtle rust science research is strategic, aligned, collaborative and impactful.