The Department of Conservation is closing the Mount Karioi summit tracks, near Raglan, after a confirmed finding of myrtle rust.
The tracks will be closed to the public until further notice, DOC said.
It’s the second finding of the fungal plant disease on public conservation land after it was discovered on Mount Messenger, Taranaki a month ago.
Five months since the disease was spotted in Kerikeri and experts still don't know how far it's spread. (Source: Other)
The area’s closed while a surveillance team determines the scale of the infestation.
Myrtle rust was first found in New Zealand in May last year, and has since spread throughout the North Island.
DOC says the recent warm weather has been optimal for myrtle rust and that new detections have increased in a number of regions.
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