Kauri Dieback and the Environmental Threats To the Manukau Habour
Climate Change
Rising sea levels
Coastal Flooding
Increased erosion will damage ecosystems on the shoreline and the sea creatures and other birds and animals living there may not have the required habitat to live properly. Erosion may also damage urban property. Planting riaparian plants along the sides of riverbanks etc. will help prevent this erosion as the roots can help improve the soils health. DOI #
Kauri Dieback
Rising temperatures
Increased risk of natural disasters, including forest fires and droughts #
Contamination
Decreased water quality and availability from increased pollution from contaminants in wastewater, biosolids , agricultural farms and general urbanisation and cars.
Eutrophication and algal blooms caused by increased contaminants like nitrogen, phosphorous. DOI
Insufficient wastewater management with excess chemicals
Urban Development
Increased population needs more resources (water, space for buildings etc.) and the industrial processes to keep up with the populaiton willcause more pollution/ contamination. #
Matauranga Maori indicates cultural importance of Kauri
Rahui policies to prevent dieback spread via limited foot traffic and better cleanliness DOI
Less plants since there are less kauri are there to help with water channels and flow in soils
Habitat loss from development into forests
Fragmented habitation
More foot traffic, vehicles and pets increases spread of kauri dieback pathogen, increased introduced exotic species and decreased natives. DOI
Fragmentation can Increase contamination from runoff from households and fertilisers, will affect water and soil quality. DOI
More compact and less impervious soils
Increases flooding risk since water can't sink through the compacted soils and impervious surfaces. More runoff with contaminants are possible. DOI
Decreased dominance of native, non-fire and drought resistance species, such as less kauri, and increased dominance of drought and fire-resistant species that are usually non-native #
Fire #
Rahui
Water #
With changed water fflow comes increased risk of flooding and also more chances for the dieback pathogen to spread. DOI
Rahui can help prevent excess consumption of resources and protect the environment but may not always be supported legally and so some people may go against them and not face consequences. Funding to implement and enforce these rahui policies may also be insufficient. A lack of culturally important objects and sites will hurt Matauranga Maori' and the ability to connect spiritually with their heritage. DOI # #
Lessened water water and a decrease in drinking water caused by industrial uses will harm humans and animals drinking supplies and plants and trees. DOI