3 Paenga-whāwhā 2017
t +64 3 423 0907
e [email protected]
KŌRERO
Bio-Protection Research Centre
Lincoln University, PO Box 85084
Lincoln 7647, New Zealand
Kaupapa: Myrtle Rust Incursion in Rangitahua
The devastating fungal plant disease myrtle rust (Puccinia psidii) has been found
on Rangitahua (Raoul Island), part of the Kermadec Island group, 1000 km north of New
Zealand's North Island.
“Myrtle rust is not known to be present in Aotearoa yet; however, as it has now reached our
outer islands we need to be vigilant and we need a plan,” says Melanie Mark-Shadbolt from Te
Turi Whakamātaki, the Māori Biosecurity Network.
The severity of myrtle rust in Aotearoa is unknown, but it is likely to infect native plants in
the Myrtaceae family such as kānuka, mānuka, ramarama, rohutu, rātā and pōhutukawa, as
well as introduced plants such as feijoa and eucalypts. Myrtle rust spores are microscopic and
can easily spread across large distances by wind. They can also be transported on contaminated
clothing, equipment, insects, rain splashes and probably via cyclones.
In other countries, impacts of the pathogen have ranged from superficial temporary infections
through to devastating outbreaks on highly susceptible threatened species.
“We believe strongly that we must make every effort to eradicate this disease in Aotearoa and
in our sister and brother lands offshore,” explains Mark-Shadbolt. “Māori have ‘eyes on the
ground’ and we believe our kaitiaki, whānau and their communities are best placed to identify
the first signs of the disease on mainland Aotearoa.”
This means knowing how to recognise myrtle rust together with timely reporting of any
suspected discoveries to help stop the spread of the disease. The most important role is to be
prepared, so that in the event that myrtle rust arrives in Aotearoa, we can take an active role
as of our taonga. Strategies may include establishing rahui to prevent increased contamination
from people moving from infected sites to unaffected rohe and establishing seed banks or
nurseries away from natural sites.
The most important role is to be informed and current, so that in the event that myrtle rust
arrives in Aotearoa, we are prepared and are able to take an active role as kaitiaki of our
taonga.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and Department of Conservation DOC) are
investigating the disease, assessing the risks and deciding how best to respond to the
Rangitahua incursion. Te Turi Whakamātaki will offer mātauranga to support that response
alongside, and in collaboration with, other Māori rōpū.
Potential impact
The likely distribution, severity and impact of myrtle rust once it reaches the mainland of New
Zealand are relatively unknown. However, we can assume that all New Zealand Myrtaceae
species, including indigenous species, are at risk from myrtle rust infection. While the extent of
the impact on their health is hard to predict, based on what has happened in other countries,
it would very likely be devastating.
In Australia, the disease is threatening the extinction of several taonga plant species of
significance to Aboriginal Australians. Since its arrival in 2010, its host range has doubled to over
336 known myrtle rust hosts globally, and at least nine native New Zealand myrtaceae in exotic
cultivation in Australia have been confirmed to be infected.
The potential economic and environmental impact of myrtle rust establishment in New Zealand
has been addressed; however, the potential socio-cultural consequences for Māori have not.
Indigenous myrtaceae species are extensively utilised by Māori for a wide range of purposes
including medicine, construction and food. Myrtaceae species are considered as taonga species
and the Māori relationship with them is one of kaitiakitanga, maramataka and
whānaungatanga. These relationships are multifaceted and intimate, having been developed
over more than 40 generations. In particular, the WAI 262 claim details the importance of
pōhutukawa and mānuka to Māori.
Our Position:
Critical to the success of any response is a rapid and coordinated approach. Te Turi
Whakamātaki believes that any risk assessment scenarios must include Māori investment in:
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plant propagation and cultivation of susceptible myrtle crops (e.g. nurseries to support
marae and Māori-led revegetation and restoration programmes);
mānuka cultivation and the associated mānuka honey industry;
Te Waka Kai Ora, Tahuri Whenua and other Māori growing and organics rōpū (organic
myrtle cultivated kai, e.g. feijoa, guava) and timber crops.
This approach helps to ensure continued delivery towards ‘He Kai Kei Aku Ringa – The CrownMāori Economic Growth Partnership’ plan, which aims to grow the Māori economy and deliver
prosperity to Māori growth and the national economy.
Additionally, Te Turi Whakamātaki would expect:
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Māori to be considered an equal partner,
as afforded to them under Te Tiriti o
Waitangi, in the development of incursion
strategic priorities and action plans.
A bi-cultural engagement model that uses
key cultural principles and values to help
build knowledge, empowerment and
ownership of the threat and proposed
response in Māori communities.
Whānau, hapū, iwi and their communities
recognised and empowered as vital in the
identification of the presence of myrtle
rust.
Māori research priorities to be resourced.
Next Steps
Short term, high priority (6-12 months):
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Plan to keep all myrtle rust strains out of Aotearoa mainland.
Research to determine the ecological impacts of the disease on taonga species in
Aotearoa. For Te Turi Whakamātaki this may mean speeding up research scheduled to
take place in South Africa looking at myrtle rust effects on taonga species with a Māori
Masters student.
Educate whānau, hapū and iwi on what to look for and how to report suspected
incursions.
Complete the seedbanking of susceptible taonga species to ensure their future survival
Medium term, medium priority (12-24 months)
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Review existing biosecurity regimes for improvements to detection/eradication of pests
and pathogens, specifically myrtle rust.
Involve non-governmental environmental organisations and tangata whenua in
response management.
Develop tools and mātauranga to protect vulnerable taonga ecosystems and species.
Our message for whānau
Te Turi Whakamātaki strongly encourage Māori to continue their practices of kaitiakitanga of
natural resources. Whānau, hapū and iwi are needed as kaitiaki to help reduce impacts of any
and all biosecurity threats including myrtle rust. Te Turi Whakamātaki calls to action kaitiaki to
assist and lead in any response needed around this incursion, and asks whānau to be vigilant in
reporting any suspected discoveries.
Te Turi Whakamātaki - Whakapapa
In 2016, Te Turi Whakamātaki researchers travelled the country meeting with whānau, hapū
and iwi with interests across a range of commercial and environmental sectors and
communities, and discussed with them the need for a national Māori biosecurity network. At
the hui, myrtle rust was used as an exemplar of a likely disease that could, or would eventually,
breach our borders. Whānau, rightly so, were mortified at the potential threat and possible
consequences on their taonga plant species and asked us to establish the Network.
Encouraged by Māori interest to review the preparedness of New Zealand’s biosecurity system
for an incursion of this plant pathogen, we were able to secure research funding from the
Biological Heritage National Science Challenge to engage with Māori pre-incursion, and
determine what an effective response would look like. A major focus of the project is to make
better use of surveillance data to inform incursion responses, such as the imminent arrival of
myrtle rust to our shores. The research team recognise the potential impacts of the pathogen,
and have established a research network ready to take action with their Australian and South
African counterparts.
We want to acknowledge MPI and DOC for their quick diagnosis and for acknowledging the
importance of Māori in this response.
Te Turi Whakamātaki Contacts:
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Dr Nick Waipara, Plant Pathologist & Principal Advisor Biosecurity, 021-612-828, Tamakimakaurau, Te Tai Tokerau, Hauraki regions.
Tame Malcolm, Biosecurity Officer, Hauraki-Waikato, Te Waiariki, Mataatua, regions.
Dr Nick Roskruge, Senior Lecturer in Horticulture, Taranaki and Te Tai Rawhiti regions.
Alby Marsh, Māori Relationship Advisor – Plant & Food Research, 027 227 8204, Te Tai
Hauauru, Ikaroa-Rawhiti, Manawatu, Wairarapa, Poneke.
Melanie Mark-Shadbolt, Māori Research Manager – Biological Heritage NSC & BioProtection, 027 486 9874, Te Waipounamu, Te Tau Ihu region.
Dr Amanda Black, Soil Chemist, 021 319 731, Te Waipounamu, Te Tau Ihu regions.