The largest outbreak of Dutch elm disease since its discovery in New Zealand has been found in Auckland.
Auckland Council says more than 200 elm trees on the privately-owned Kingseat site near Drury have become infected.
It says its staff have helped the property owner and manager clear the trees safely.
The council says Kingseat is an historic character site with elms initially planted in the 1930s, and it is a shame to be losing such a significant number.
It says Dutch elm disease is spreading further south, with diseased trees recently destroyed in other parts of South Auckland.
