A newly unveiled mural on Mount Mainstreet is using art as a tool to raise awareness of myrtle rust and the threat it poses to Mauao and Aotearoa’s native taonga species.

Commissioned by Tauranga Moana Biosecurity Capital (TMBC) and created by local artist Arohanoa Mathews (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui), the mural, called Toa o Te Taiao, highlights the growing risk of myrtle rust and encourages the community to play an active role in protecting the health and resilience of Mauao.

Myrtle rust is a highly infectious fungal disease that affects plants in the myrtle family, including pōhutukawa, mānuka, and rātā. It is identified by bright yellow powdery pustules on leaves, tips, and stems, which can lead to leaf loss, dieback, and plant death.

Mauao is particularly vulnerable, and early detection and reporting remain critical to slowing the spread, according to TMBC, which is a network of organisations and individuals committed to biosecurity excellence across the Bay of Plenty.

A new public mural on Mount Mainstreet is to raise awareness of myrtle rust and the threat it poses to Mauao and Aotearoa’s native taonga species. Photo / Supplied

TMBC co-chair and Plant & Food Research science group leader Dr Beccy Ganley said myrtle rust is a devastating disease that had already caused the functional extinction of some species in Australia. “Their experience with this pathogen shows us that we can’t be complacent or simply expect everything will be okay.”

The mural carries the message ‘Protect Mauao - stop the spread of myrtle rust’ and features an integrated QR code that links directly to a Find & Report page. This allows passers-by to easily learn how to identify myrtle rust and report any suspected sightings.

“Biosecurity isn’t just something that happens at borders or in laboratories,” said TMBC events and communications manager Natalie Rutene. “It’s something we all play a role in, especially in places as treasured and well-loved as Mauao. This mural is about awareness, action, and connection.”

The mural was commissioned by Tauranga Moana Biosecurity Capital, a network of organisations and individuals committed to biosecurity excellence across the Bay of Plenty. Photo / Supplied

The mural is located on Mount Mainstreet by Kiwiana Gifts & Souvenirs shop at 134 Maunganui Rd.

TMBC encouraged locals and visitors to scan the QR code, learn what to look for, and report anything unusual.

For more information about myrtle rust and how to report sightings, visit: www.tmbiosecurity.co.nz/stopmyrtlerust