Myrtle rust has been found in Waikato for the first time, with two ramarama trees infected.
Myrtle rust. Photo: Supplied / DOC
The disease, which attacks trees such as pōhutukawa and rātā, has been found on more than 100 properties in Taranaki and Te Puke since being discovered in May.
The Ministry for Primary Industries has now found two properties in Otorohanga are infected.
Cathrine Duthie from the Ministry said while the discovery was disappointing it was not unexpected.
The two properties were being placed under legal restrictions and the Ministry would be removing and destroying the two infected plants in the next few days.
Dr Duthie said teams would be checking all myrtle plans in a 500m radius from the trees over the next fortnight.