Supporting Technical Assessments

38 EMROP: Waihi North Project WAI-985-000-PLN-LC-0001_Rev0 clean 3.1.1 Purpose of Myrtle protocols Myrtle Rust is now widespread and is wind-borne. Therefore, its transmission into the WNP area cannot be prevented (if it is not already present). However, Project-mediated transmission can be minimised through recommendations provided in this Plan. Currently, if Myrtle Rust is found, the MPI website recommends: • don't touch it. • take a clear in-focus photograph. • submit the photograph to iNaturalist. The following recommendations will ensure the appropriate management of myrtle rust risk within the WNP area. 3.1.2 Myrtle rust risk management during Plant Maintenance and Offset Monitoring • If personnel believe they have seen the symptoms of myrtle rust, refer MPI recommendations above and notify the relevant plant nursery (if the infected plants are less than 5 years old). • If personnel wish to remove infected myrtle plant material: o Bury infected material onsite (at 50 cm depth), or o Take the Myrtle rust infected material to a landfill or transfer station provided that is it securely enclosed in a sealed bag and disposed of as general waster (not green waste). 3.1.3 Myrtle rust risk management during revegetation planting Prior to replanting, a signed Myrtle Rust Nursery Management Declaration certifying that the plant supplier has implemented the New Zealand Plant Producers Incorporated Myrtle Rust Nursery Management Protocol should be provided to the client and Regional Authority. 3.2 KAURI DIEBACK PROTOCOLS Kauri Dieback is a soil-borne disease caused by the fungus-like organism Phytophthora agathidicida (PA) which has led to the rapid spread and dieback of kauri trees throughout their range. There is no known cure for this disease and kauri trees have subsequently been classified as ‘Threatened- Nationally Vulnerable’ (de Lange et al. 2018). • PA can be spread by movement of contaminated soil, plant (roots, trunk, bark) materials and associated by-products such as sawdust. • Contaminated material may be as small as a pinhead.

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