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environment watch Kauri dieback in the Hauraki Gulf BY JACQUI WAIREPO T the Treasure Island "Pest Free Warrant" he New Zealand kauri tree is a accreditation, awareness around the national icon of Aotearoa. While importance of biosecurity is at an all time both the wood and gum of these high, with crew and passengers on board "forest giants" have been utilised operators such as the Spirit of Adventure industrially for more than two centuries, implementing measures to assist with this it is now their sheer majesty and cultural worthy plight. significance that draws Kiwis and tourists Since joining the "biosecurity friendly to behold special individuals such as Tane list" in May of this year, crew of the Spirit Mahuta and Te Matua Ngahere in their of New Zealand vessel have become natural surroundings. increasingly aware of the big picture Sadly, it may be that this iconic values of the Hauraki Gulf. During one status has led to the demise of literally of their voyages the vessel can stop at thousands of kauri trees over the last Checking out the cleaning any number of islands depending on tides decade alone throughout the Northland facilities on Spirit of New Zealand and weather, and with up to 40 trainees and Auckland regions via the deadly kauri dieback disease. and 13 crew on any given trip, that equates to a lot of muddy sneakers! Fortunately the trusty cleaning locker on board is Kauri dieback is a fungus-like disease which infects the well stocked with scrubbing brushes to ensure that no "nasties" root system of the tree, damaging nutrient carrying tissues and are transported between the islands and mainland. Third mate effectively starving the tree. Since its formal identification as a Ben Whittington (responsible for various biosecurity measures new disease to science in 2008, researchers have been furiously on board) has started to introduce these big picture values via trying to find a cure and protect the healthy remaining stands. osmosis, believing it is the key to success with his teenage With less than one percent of our original kauri forests still intact, clientele, stating; "it's not really about education, it's just what it is imperative that all Kiwis understand how easily the disease we do!" In Ben's experience, the current generation of teenagers is spread, and how easily further spread can be prevented. not only readily accept the need to scrub boots and check for Great Barrier is currently the only island in the Hauraki stowaways, but rather expect it. And while the crew has decided Gulf known to be infected, and as such it is crucial that all against keeping trigene disinfectant on board (opting for shoe other disease-free islands are protected through simple hygiene scrubbing and salt water washes instead), they don't hesitate to measures. The key is in soil removal, as kauri dieback spores ensure all island trigene cleaning stations are well utilised before have an uncanny ability to survive in just tiny amounts of soil for getting back on the boat and sailing off to the next destination. up to three years. By scrubbing shoes and water blasting vehicles, It is important to note that while salt water can stand in place of machinery and equipment being transported around the Gulf, trigene, it is only effective on thoroughly scrubbed boots and gear our treasured islands can be effectively protected. According that have been cleaned of all soil. The Auckland Council not only to Dr Nick Waipara, Auckland Council's principle biosecurity provides free trigene supplies upon request, but also provides free advisor, these simple preventative practices are the most effective educational services including seminars and field trips to diseased weapons we have against kauri dieback and are good habits to areas to hammer home the significance of the taonga we stand to get into to minimise the spread of a variety of pest weeds as well. lose should kauri dieback continue to ravage our forests. It is in this way that marine operators can play a vital role For more information on these services or to request a supply in helping contain kauri dieback, as they truly understand and of trigene spray for your vessel visit: appreciate what is at stake if this disease gets onto islands such www.kauridieback.co.nz or contact the biosecurity team at as Waiheke, Kawau, Motutapu or Little Barrier. With over biosecurity@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz 16 professional marine operators already having signed up to Treasure islands Check for stowaways PLEASE 68 www.treasureislands.co.nz www.projectislandsong.co.nz CHECK YOUR BOAT AND GEAR FOR RATS, MICE, ARGENTINE ANTS, RAINBOW SKINKS, SOIL AND SEEDS SET BAIT OR TRAPS FOR ANIMAL PESTS REPORT ANY SIGHTINGS TO 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) Professional Skipper September/October 2013 www.skipper.co.nz