NZ Engine

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  05 February 2026

This mobile kauri education resource brings a unique multi-sensory experience to the people of Te Tai Tokerau and its visitors. The public are invited to visit from 9:30 am at the sports field, M1, opposite the Treaty Grounds.

The innovative advocacy and education platform results from a partnership between the Kauri Ora Iwi CoLab (a collective of four Te Tai Tokerau iwi), Northland Regional Council (NRC), and the Department of Conservation, with support from Ministry for Primary Industry’s Tiakina Kauri. The partners share a clear goal: strengthen community understanding of kauri protection and support action on the ground to keep kauri safe.

Debbie Martin from Kauri Ora Iwi CoLab says: “The partnership has been guided by the CoLab’s whakataukī / vision: E kore te kauri e tū mokemoke. Our kauri never stand alone. The forest ecosystem stands with kauri, as do all hapū, iwi and community. Unchecked, disease caused by the pathogen Phytophthora agathidicida (PA), would devastate kauri forests, and consequently the wellbeing of the ngahere and its people. We are all connected.”

Chair of NRC’s Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party Jack Craw says: “Protecting our kauri is something every one of us can play a part in. Te Ara Mātauranga o Te Kauri will help grow the awareness and know how our communities need to keep these taonga thriving.”

Martin Akroyd, Plant Pathogen Manager for DOC acknowledges the value of the partnership: “It has been fantastic working together in collaboration on an advocacy initiative to help our communities understand the impact the disease has on kauri, and the behaviours required to ensure the trees are protected when out naturing in the majestic kauri forests in Te Tai Tokerau,” he says.

Visitors to Te Ara Mātauranga o Te Kauri can engage with both visual and hands on immersive learning activities, including:

• Kauri bark rubbing activity
• The relationship between kauri and tohorā, brothers of land and sea as told by Ngātiwai
• Kauri hygiene protocols to prevent the PA disease from spreading
• Get to know the flora and fauna that live and interact with kauri as whānau
• Virtual reality experiences within kauri ngahere

Te Ara Mātauranga o Te Kauri will travel across Te Tai Tokerau to kura, schools, and community events Northland. Please email matauranga@kauriora.org.nz for more information.

Background information

The Kauri Ora Iwi CoLab is a collective of four Te Tai Tokerau iwi represented by Te Roroa Commercial Development Limited, Te Rūnanga o Te Rarawa, Ngātiwai Trust Board and Ngāti Kurī Trust Board. Together, these iwi are mana whenua over approximately 60 percent of the remaining kauri whenua in Te Tai Tokerau. The CoLab exists to ensure the survival of kauri through iwi led biosecurity, governance, and operational leadership and excellence.

Te Ara Mātauranga o Te Kauri was inspired by the Waikato Regional Council’s (WRC) kauri trailer resource — an initiative that has proven impactful in community and school settings. We gratefully acknowledge the support and sharing of WRC of resources and guidance.

Featuring Tane Mahuta, Rakau Rangatira from Waipoua, we acknowledge Te Roroa for allowing us to represent their taonga on Te Ara Mātauranga o Te Kauri.

Partners acknowledge the permission to share the Ngātiwai korero of Kauri and Tohorā: Brothers Of Land And Sea.

Partners acknowledge the funding and visuals provided by Tiakina Kauri.

Phytophthora agathidicida

• Kauri is threatened by a soil-borne pathogen called Phytophthora agathidicida (PA).
• PA is spread by soil movement, including by:
  – footwear, clothing or equipment that touches the soil
  – vehicles that have driven through infected areas
  – animals, including wild pigs and stock, that have walked through infected areas.
• PA infects kauri trees through their roots and restricts their ability to transport water and nutrients between their roots and the leaves. This causes the condition known as kauri dieback disease, which eventually starves the kauri.
• There is no proven way to cure a kauri tree that has been infected by the PA pathogen, and there are limited treatment options.
• To date, the PA pathogen has been detected in the Northland, Auckland, and Waikato regions, but we do not yet know how many kauri trees have been infected by it.
• Ensuring the survival of kauri for future generations depends on all of us taking actions and doing everything we can to stop the PA pathogen from spreading.

Contact

Source: Green Party

Green Party MP Teanau Tuiono has launched his Member’s Bill to recognise whales as legal persons with inherent rights, including the right to freedom of movement, a healthy environment, and the ability to thrive alongside humanity. 

“Our tohorā are sacred ancestors for many communities across Te Moana Nui a Kiwa, but they are under threat from commercial fishing, pollution, and climate change.” says Teanau Tuiono. 

“This Bill represents a transformation in how we protect our marine species and the wider moana, to create a law that would protect whales by legally recognising their mana.” 

The Bill describes te mana o te tohorā through five fundamental principles: Freedom of movement and migration, protection of natural behaviours, protection of social and cultural structures, right to a healthy environment, and the right to restoration and regeneration of habits and ecosystems.  

“Indigenous peoples are the enduring kaitiaki of our moana. When we follow their lead, we can protect our precious species and the places they call home.” 

“The Tohorā Oranga Bill will recognise the inherent mana of tohorā and require decision-makers under a range of environmental law to recognise and provide for the rights of tohorā. 

“By recognising the mana of tohorā, this Bill represents a transformation in how we protect our marine species and the wider moana.” says Teanau Tuiono.

Source: New Zealand Police

The quick action of Police has resulted in the arrest of one person following an investigation into a suspicious fire at a commercial premises on Oruanui Street in Taupō.

The fire was reported to emergency services around 10.30pm on Tuesday 3 February.

One property sustained substantial damage, and spread to the adjoining building, which sustained minor fire damage.

Thankfully, the premises were unoccupied, and no injuries were reported.

A fire investigator inspected the scene on Wednesday morning, indicating the fire was lit deliberately.

Evidence led to a 53-year-old man being charged with arson. He appeared in the Taupō District Court today and is remanded in custody until 17 March.

As the matter is now before the courts, Police cannot comment further.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

The Southern motorway is down to one lane following a four-vehicle crash this afternoon.

The crash was reported to Police at 4.05pm.

One vehicle has flipped on to its side and is blocking the right-hand lanes.

There are multiple injuries reported ranging from minor to moderate.

Motorists are asked to delay travel if possible and expect delays.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police