Coromandel Communities Rally to Protect Ancient Kauri Taonga After Dieback Confirmation

Conservationists and local iwi are strengthening efforts to protect one of the Coromandel Peninsula’s most significant kauri trees after soil tests confirmed it has contracted kauri dieback. On Wednesday, 5 August 2026, it was reported that the ancient tree, estimated to be 1,200 years old, tested positive for Phytophthora agathidicida (PA) at the Long Bay Kauri Walk near Coromandel township. While the diagnosis is a challenge, the response highlights a decade of collaborative kaitiakitanga. Waikato Regional Council, Thames-Coromandel District Council, and local iwi have spent years implementing protective measures at the site, including the construction of boardwalks to shield root systems, fencing, and footwear cleaning stations. According to Waikato Regional Council Biosecurity and Biodiversity Manager Patrick Whaley, the tree has already received phosphite injections to boost its natural defences, with a follow-up treatment scheduled for later this year. Waikato Regional Council Chair Warren Maher emphasised that protecting these forest giants remains a shared national responsibility. For Māori, kauri are regarded as taonga with profound cultural and spiritual significance, serving as the cornerstones of forest ecosystems. The discovery has prompted renewed calls for the public to support these conservation efforts by sticking to designated tracks and ensuring all footwear is thoroughly cleaned before and after visiting forest areas. Despite the positive test result, the ongoing work of track ambassadors and the use of modern treatment methods provide a pathway for prolonging the life of the tree. Local authorities and iwi partners continue to conduct surveillance and soil sampling across the reserve to mitigate further spread and safeguard the region's remaining kauri for future generations.