In 2018 and 2019 the Government announced $34.5 million funding for research into kauri dieback ($29.5m) and myrtle rust ($5m). BioHeritage National Science Challenge administers this funding. The programme was named Ngā Rākau Taketake reflecting the historical connections Māori and other New Zealanders have with our kauri and myrtaceae trees. ‘Taketake’ refers to the permanence of that relationship. This programme aims to protect and restore this relationship and connection.
Ngā Rākau Taketake - Biological Heritage NZ (bioheritage.nz)