News

Myrtle Rust and Kauri Dieback Strategic Science Advisory Groups to merge

January 16, 2020

The Myrtle Rust Strategic Science Advisory Group and the Kauri Dieback SSAG agreed to merge at a recent combined meeting to discuss the future of the two groups. The decision was supported by all SSAG members present, including government, industry and Māori.

Myrtle Rust SSAG meeting – November 2019

January 16, 2020

It was agreed that Te Tira Whakamātaki, Māori Biosecurity Network will lead development of a national germplasm and seedbanking strategy, in partnership with the Department of Conservation which will coordinate the government’s work in this area. Pictured: Ken Hughey, Myrtle Rust SSAG Chair and Department of Conservation Chief Science Advisor.

Stakeholders staying aligned

January 15, 2020

Finding ways to keep all organisations with an interest in myrtle rust stay connected was the focus of the first meeting of the new Myrtle Rust Stakeholder Group in November.

On-the-ground work to safeguard myrtles

January 14, 2020

Bec Stanley, a Curator at Auckland Botanic Gardens and Chair of the Botanic Gardens Australia NZ outlines ongoing work to monitor for myrtle rust and collect seeds in order to safeguard Aotearoa’s myrtles. (Photo: Emma Bodley, Auckland Botanic Garden Conservation & Records Specialist hand pollinating Rata Moehau.)

Impacts of myrtle rust in New Zealand since its arrival

January 10, 2020

This New Zealand Garden Journal article Impacts of myrtle rust in New Zealand since its arrival in 2017 (Dec 2019) provides a great summary of knowledge of myrtle rust in New Zealand to date. Written by Plant & Food’s Rob Beresford and a team of co-authors, it reviews information available since the disease was first found in New Zealand, including key research findings from the MPI-funded projects.

The article highlights how stakeholders across organisations are collaborating to safeguard and sustain New Zealand’s myrtles. Thanks to the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture for their kind permission to publish this article on www.myrtlerust.org.nz to help keep everyone interested in myrtle rust up to date with the latest news and information.

New long-term monitoring form

January 7, 2020

A long-term monitoring form for myrtle rust has been developed and is available on www.myrtlerust.org.nz for surveillance in New Zealand. The form is designed to be used by a wide variety of groups who have some level of knowledge of myrtle rust symptoms and who will be monitoring symptoms on specific host trees or stands of trees over time.

New investment in myrtle rust research

November 20, 2019

Four new projects are underway within Ngā Rākau Taketake that address key science priorites identified in the kauri dieback and myrtle rust strategic science plans:

• Mātauranga Māori Surveillance Framework
• Funding for urgent monitoring of myrtle rust this season
• Te mauri o te rakau, te mauri o te ngahere, te mauri o te tangata (The life force of the trees, the life force of the forest, the life force of the people)
• Tools for detection and management

There are opportunities to get involved. 

BioHeritage scoping group update

November 19, 2019

The Ngā Rākau Taketake (NRT) scoping group pitched their Investment Prospectus to a ‘dragons den’ earlier in the month, receiving lots of positive and constructive feedback. Read more about their timeline and the 2024 goals for safeguarding New Zealand's myrtles and kauri.

Researchers to share updates

November 19, 2019

Congratulations to the Myrtle Rust Research Consortium

November 7, 2019

Congratulations to the Myrtle Rust Research Consortium, which has won a top biosecurity award for its integrated and rapid research response to myrtle rust.