The Ministry for Primary Industries latest steps attempting to contain the spread of Kauri dieback has been called weak by Forest and Bird which says the time for pussyfooting around the issue is over

MPI yesterday announced extra steps to protect Kauri at risk of contracting dieback.

But the Ministry is being urged to completely close the Waitakere and Hunua Ranges - or see dieback take the species for good.

The latest measures include Controlled Area Notice's being put in place, as well as a National Pest Management Plan and a Strategic Science Advisory Group.

The Notice's don't actually ban people from going to the area but do make it a legal requirement for people to follow hygiene standards.

MPI isn't yet saying where the notices will apply.

Chief Operations Officer Roger Smith said people often ignore shoe cleaning and disinfectant stations beside walking paths.

"Clearly that hasn't worked, we need to move to another step and a controlled area notice gives us a legal instrument to enforce those controls where necessary."

But Forest and Bird say MPI's response is weak.

Regional manager Dr Rebecca Stirnemann said a Controlled Area Notice doesn't stop people using the ranges - and the spread is closely linked to human movement.

She said MPI's new measure isn't strong enough to actually stop the spread of the disease.

"If we are not going to save those trees we're at risk of extinction occurring and potentially of other species as well."

Stirnemann wants a complete closure of areas like west Auckland's Waitakere Ranges and the Hunuas to the south.

She said the hygiene stations for people to clean their shoes don't work and the only way is to keep people out altogether.

"It's great that they are talking about it and that options are now being put on the table but we really need to look at what do we need to do to stop the spread, it still seems like a really weak response."