Myrtle Rust affects pohutukawa and other native plants (Getty Images)

Bad weather might spread Northland's myrtle rust

Publish Date: Thu, 11 May 2017, 5:02PM

Forecast bad weather is being identified as a potential problem for authorities as they try to control Northland's Myrtle Rust outbreak.

Around 100 biosecurity staff are investigating the two outbreak sites found in Kerikeri and movement control measures remain in place around the affected areas.

And with bad weather and strong winds forecast for the region, Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy said they could lead to the disease being spread further.

"I think it will be very difficult to eradicate because [Myrtle Rust] is just so easily moved in the wind currents," he said.