How an Indigenous community responded to the incursion and spread of myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) that threatens culturally significant plant species – a case study from New Zealand

The incursion of the myrtle rust disease (Austropuccinia psidii) was officially confirmed on 3 May 2017 at a plant nursery located in Kerikeri, North Island, New Zealand. Since then the presence of myrtle rust has now been located throughout New Zealand, with additional outbreaks in Taranaki, Waikato and Bay of Plenty. It has been detected on a range of Myrtaceaea species including ramarama (Lophomyrtus bullata), pohutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa), Monkey apple (Syzygium smithii), manuka (Leptospermum scoparium), and Eucalyptus spp. (E. botryoides). Many of these species are iconic to the Indigenous Maori and have historical significance, being taonga (treasures). Since the incursions, Te Tira Whakamataki (National Maori Biosecurity Network), have been informing Maori communities throughout New Zealand about the potential impacts of myrtle rust via a series of regional meetings (hui), email and social media that have included brief reports and recommendations. Feedback from these meetings and social media has strongly highlighted the desires of Maori communities to be active participants in decision-making and response plans for the management of myrtle rust as well as other pests and diseases. In this paper, we describe the journey of an Indigenous community approach to a modern biosecurity incursion.