November 20, 2018
More money to tackle kauri dieback
Funding for research into combating the spread of kauri dieback and myrtle rust has been boosted by $13 million over three years.
Research, Science and Innovation Minister Megan Woods says the money from the Strategic Science Investment Fund will accelerate work already being done by Government agencies, councils, research providers, Māori and interest groups.
BioHeritage kaihautu Nick Waipara of Plant & Food Research says a core group of people with diverse expertise is being brought together to develop a strategy and workplan.
An integral part is to work closely in partnership with Māori.
He says kauri dieback and myrtle rust are critical threats to New Zealand’s environment and threaten a number of iconic species.
Dr Amanda Black from Lincoln University’s BioProtection Research Centre says scientists still lack fundamental knowledge about the biology of the kauri dieback pathogen, its whereabouts in the landscape and tools to manage the disease.
She says progress has been hampered by the disjointed nature of the research and research groups to date, so it’s good to see Dr Waipara being given the task of leading the strategy through the Biological Heritage National Science Challenge.
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