TMBC are proud to have commissioned a new mural by local artist Arohanoa Mathews (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui) to raise awareness of myrtle rust and inspire our community to protect our taiao.
Arohanoa’s artwork, Toa o Te Taiao, highlights the growing threat of myrtle rust and its impact on our native taonga species. The piece encourages our community to stay vigilant and play an active role in protecting the health and resilience of our environment for future generations.
The mural also includes an integrated QR code linking directly to a “Find & Report” page, making it easy for the public to learn more and report suspected sightings.
What is myrtle rust?
Myrtle rust is a serious plant disease that threatens taonga species like pōhutukawa, mānuka, and rātā – including those found on Mauao. It spreads easily on the wind and has no known cure, but we can all help slow its impact by staying vigilant and reporting any signs.
What does it look like?
Symptoms of myrtle rust include:
- Bright yellow powdery eruptions appearing on the underside of the leaf (young infection)
- Bright yellow powdery eruptions on both sides of the leaf (mature infection)
- Grey, ‘fuzzy’ spore growth on undersides of leaves
- Some leaves may become buckled or twisted and die off.
What should I do if I find myrtle rust?
If you think you see the symptoms of myrtle rust:
- take a clear in-focus photograph of the whole plant, the affected leaf, and a close-up of the spores
- submit the photograph to Myrtle Rust Reporter – iNaturalist website
Make sure you label your finds as myrtle rust, noting what host plant it has been found on. Capturing this information through iNaturalist means it will be available in future to analyse the rate of spread and observed impacts.
If you see myrtle rust on public land you can report your myrtle rust sighting to:
- your local council
- the Department of Conservation (DOC) if sighted on public conservation land.
For other myrtle rust queries, contact the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). Including reports of:
- New host species
- Movements of infected plants
To connect with MPI regarding myrtle rust email MyrtlerustNZ@mpi.govt.nz
Remember, don’t try to collect samples as this may increase the spread of the disease.
Meet the Artist…
Arohanoa Mathews is a Tauranga Moana artist with over 30 years of experience across visual arts, textiles, mural work, and Māori creative practices. She also holds multiple leadership roles within the arts community, contributing to project management, mentoring, curatorial work, and the development of community-focused creative initiatives.
Check out the mural in person..
Make sure to head down to Mount Mainstreet to check out the mural, you can find it at 134 Maunganui Road , Mount Maunganui – next to the Kiwiana Shop.
“Mount mural shines light on myrtle rust” – SunLive article about our mural raising awareness of myrtle rustle.