Dutch Elm Disease spreads further across Waipā

A deadly fungal disease affecting elm trees, Dutch Elm Disease, has continued to spread across the Waipā District this summer. Suspected cases have been identified in Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Kihikihi, and Ōhaupō.

Two of the suspected cases involve trees on Waipā District Council land: one is a stand of around 20 mostly saplings near the Gaslight Theatre in Cambridge, the other is a single tree on the edge of the SH3 road reserve just north of Ōhaupō. Wood samples are being tested to confirm infections, and the trees will be removed.

Arborist planner James Richardson said the disease was first detected in the district in early 2024, and efforts have focused on slowing its spread rather than eliminating it.

“The increase in cases is not unexpected,” Richardson said. “Dutch Elm Disease spreads fast and there is no cure or treatment. We’re keeping a close watch on all our elm trees.”

Vaccination is the only defence. Council introduced a programme in November 2024 covering around 250 specimen street and park elms on council land, which was repeated last spring. So far this season, no infections have been reported among vaccinated trees.

"Dutch Elm Disease is a serious threat to our elm trees,” Richardson said. “Our vaccination programme is helping protect trees in public spaces, but we need residents to be aware and act quickly if they see symptoms on private trees."

The disease is spread by elm bark beetles, connected root systems, movement of firewood and contaminated pruning tools. It does not affect trees unrelated to the elm species.

Council’s advice for the community:

• Watch for signs of infection in elms, including wilting, curling or yellowing leaves, and dead or dying branches
• Report suspected infections to Waipā District Council on 0800 924 723 or email DED@waipadc.govt.nz
• Infected trees should be safely removed, and all material chipped, burnt, or buried on site, to prevent further spread.

For more information on Dutch Elm Disease, including how to identify elm trees, visit waipadc.govt.nz/dutchelmdisease.