The Department of Conservation is asking the public to help protect Northland's giant kauri trees from a killer fungus.
The organism - a type of phytophthera - is killing kauri in the Waitakeres and as far north as Pakiri.
The department says the fungus has been present in kauri forests like Waipoua for several years, but so far the trees there are still healthy, including giants like Tane Mahuta.
DOC manager Hillary Aikman says people can help stop the spread of the fungus by cleaning their boots if they move between forests and by keeping well away from the kauri roots.
Ms Aikman says DOC wants to hear from anyone who sees a group of kauri which seem to be ailing, and exuding large amounts of gum.
