The disease is caused by a microscopic fungus-like organism, called Phytophthora agathidicida (PA). It lives in the soil and infects kauri roots, damaging the tissues that carry nutrients and water within the tree, effectively starving it to death.

Why should we care about kauri dieback?

When in a forest environment, mature kauri emerge above the canopy of other native trees. ... The plants, animals and ecosystems that kauri create and support are indirectly under threat from kauri dieback disease, as without kauri they cannot live and develop the way they do now.

Does kauri dieback affect other trees?

Kauri dieback doesn't just affect kauri

At least 17 other species depend entirely on kauri and this soil type in order to survive. If we lose kauri, we will lose these species too. Kauri are a keystone species and create a unique acidic soil type called a kauri podsol.