Myrtle rust: Number of infected properties rises to 12

Myrtle rust has been found on four more Taranaki properties, bringing the total infected - all in the North Island - to 12.

The Ministry for Primary Industries said eight were plant nurseries or retailers, while four were private gardens.

Response director Geoff Gwyn said the disease had only been found in two regions so far: Northland and Taranaki.

However, the ministry has received about 380 reports of suspected myrtle rust from the public and he expected the numbers to increase.

Myrtle rust is a fungal disease that could devastate native trees such as pōhutukawa and rātā, and fruit such as feijoa.