Myrtle rust has spread to Taranaki. Ministry for Primary Industries testing confirmed the infection at a plant nursery late this morning. MPI's myrtle rust response controller David Yard says no plants will be moved and they're preparing to treat the area with fungicide. The infectious fungal disease, which puts native plants such as pohutukawa at risk, was discovered two weeks ago in the Far North. Yard says the new infestation could signal the disease is here for good.

Source: New Zealand Herald May 17, 2017 01:19 UTC