Kauri dieback: MPI cannot force closures - biosecurity boss

Conservation group Forest and Bird is closing seven of its reserves to try and stop the spread of kauri dieback disease. The group says there's been a lack of leadership in the fight against the disease by the Ministry for Primary Industries and it has been left with no choice. MPI's head of biosecurity Roger Smith says they support Forest and Bird closing their reserves, but says he's disappointed with the conservation group's response to govt. MPI has tried working with Forest and Bird but says only landowners can close kauri areas, MPI cannot force closures, he says.