FORM NO1R
Application for approval to
IMPORT FOR RELEASE A NEW ORGANISM
THAT IS NOT A GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISM
BY RAPID ASSESSMENT
Application code: NOR04003
Application Title: To import for release Wollemi pine Wollemia nobilis (Araurcariaceae)
Applicant Organisation: Christchurch Botanic Gardens
ERMA Office use only
Application Code:
ERMA NZ Contact:
Application Status:
ERMA New Zealand
Cnr Waring Taylor Street & Customhouse Quay
PO Box 131
Wellington
Phone: 04 916 2426 Fax: 04 914 0433
Email: info@ermanz.govt.nz
Website: www.ermanz.govt.nz
Formally received:____/____/____
Initial Fee Paid: $
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IMPORTANT
1.
An associated User Guide is not yet available for this form.
2.
This application form (NO1R) covers rapid assessment of the adverse effects of importing a new organism that is not a genetically
modified organism for release under section 35 of the HSNO Act. It can be used to seek approvals for imports for release by rapid
assessment of more than one new organism where the organisms are of a similar nature. This form replaces the old Form 1 which should
not now be used. Before using this form (NO1R) you should check with an ERMA New Zealand Applications Advisor or the ERMA New
Zealand web site to ensure that you are using the latest version.
3.
If you are making an application to import for release or release from containment, any new organism (including a genetically modified
organism) but which does not meet the criteria for rapid assessment under section 35 of the HSNO Act, then you should complete Form
NOR. If you are making an application to import for release, or release from containment, with controls, any new organism (i.e. a
conditional release) then you should complete Form NOCR.
4.
We strongly advise you to contact an Applications Advisor at ERMA New Zealand who can help you scope and prepare your application.
We need all relevant information early on in the application process. Quality information up front will speed up the process.
5.
Any extra material that does not fit in the application form must be clearly labelled, cross-referenced, and included as appendices to the
application form.
6.
Commercially sensitive information must be collated in a separate appendix. You need to justify why you consider the material
commercially sensitive, and make sure it is clearly labelled as such.
7.
Applicants must sign the form and enclose the correct application fee (plus GST). The (initial) application fee can be found in our recently
published Fees and Charges Schedule. Please check with ERMA New Zealand staff or the ERMA New Zealand website for the latest Fees
Charges Schedule effective from 1 December 2003. We are unable to process your application without the correct application fee.
8.
Unless otherwise indicated, all sections of this form must be completed for your application to be processed.
9.
Please provide an electronic version of the completed application form, as well as sending a signed hard copy. We are unable to process
your application without this signed hard copy.
10. When completing this application form please refer to the relevant sections of the HSNO Act referenced throughout the form.
11. If your application is for a plant, it is recommended that you support this application with a reputable weed risk assessment (refer to section
6 of this form).
12. If your application on this form (NO1R) under section 35 of the HSNO Act fails the rapid assessment criteria, you may request ERMA New
Zealand continue with your application under section 34 in which case you will need to complete Form NOR.
This version of the application form was approved by the Chief Executive of ERMA New Zealand on 10th December 2004.
If you need further information, one of our Application Advisors will be able to help you.
Please contact:
ERMA New Zealand
Cnr Waring Taylor Street & Customhouse Quay
PO Box 131
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Phone: 04 916 2426 Fax: 04 914 0433
Email: info@ermanz.govt.nz
Website: www.ermanz.govt.nz
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Section One – Applicant Details
1.1 Name and postal address in New Zealand of the organisation or individual making the
application:
Name >
Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
Postal Address >
PO Box 237, Christchurch.
Physical Address > Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch 1
Phone >
03 941 7583
Fax >
03 941 7582
E-mail >
david.given@ccc.govt.nz
The application is made in association with:
Ambrosia Nurseries Ltd
Selwyn Road, RD6
Christchurch,
Canterbury
Phone: 03 325 2530
Fax:
03 325 6029
Email: greg@ambrosia.net.nz
1.2 If application is made by an organisation, provide name and contact
details of a key contact person at that organisation
This person should have sufficient knowledge to respond to queries and have the authority to
make decisions that relate to processing of the application.
Name >
Dr David R Given
Position >
Botanical Services Curator
ERMA New Zealand
Cnr Waring Taylor Street & Customhouse Quay
PO Box 131
Wellington
Phone: 04 916 2426 Fax: 04 914 0433
Email: info@ermanz.govt.nz
Website: www.ermanz.govt.nz
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Address >
As above
Phone >
03 941 7583
Fax >
03 941 7582
E-mail >
david.given@ccc.govt.nz
Page 3
1.3 If the applicant is an organisation or individual situated overseas, provide
name and contact details of the agent authorised to transact the applicant’s
affairs in relation to the application
This person should have sufficient knowledge to respond to queries and have the authority to
make decisions that relate to processing of the application.
Name >
Position >
Address >
Phone >
Fax >
E-mail >
ERMA New Zealand
Cnr Waring Taylor Street & Customhouse Quay
PO Box 131
Wellington
Phone: 04 916 2426 Fax: 04 914 0433
Email: info@ermanz.govt.nz
Website: www.ermanz.govt.nz
ER-AF-NO1R-1 12/04
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Section Two – Purpose of the Application
This form is to be used for rapid assessment of importing for release a new organism, which is
not a genetically modified organism, under section 35 of the HSNO Act.
2.1 Give a short summary statement of the purpose of this application to be
used on ERMA New Zealand’s public register. (Maximum of 255 characters
including spaces and punctuation).
This statement is required for section 20(2)(c) of the Act. Briefly describe the organism(s) to
be imported for release and the purpose(s) for which you wish to release the organism(s).
Note: An organism is ‘released’ when it is not required to be held in a containment facility
registered by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Once released it is no longer
considered a new organism.
> The application is to grow a plant of the endangered ‘living fossil’ Wollemi pine
(Wollemia nobilis) in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens as a national conservation awareness
and education icon and regionally a focal point for the Garden’s developing Gondwana flora
project. Potential as an amenity plant will be trialed.
2.2 Provide a short description of the background and aims of the proposal
suitable for lay readers
Describe in less than one page the rationale for the application to release the organism(s),
including the potential use for the organism(s), so that people not directly connected with the
application can understand what is proposed and the reasons for the release.
> Wollemia is the plant equivalent of the New Zealand tuatara, being a species that appears
to be most closely related to fossils over 100 million years old. It a monotypic genus and the
world’s newest known conifer, being discovered 10 years ago in by a New South Wales
National Parks & Wildlife Service officer. The Wollemi Pine is a relict species currently
known to occur in only two sites located about 1 km apart in Wollemi National Park on the
Central Tablelands of New South Wales in south eastern Australia, 200 km northwest of
Sydney. Less than 100 plants are known in the wild.
This ‘new’ plant appears closest in taxonomic terms to the genus Agathis (including New
Zealand kauri), but it has many features in common with extinct Cretaceous and early
Tertiary fossil groups such as Araucarioides, and is probably more closely related to these.
ERMA New Zealand
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ER-AF-NO1R-1 12/04
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Pollen also more closely resembles fossil pollen examples than pollen of living genera. The
unexpected discovery of living plants of the Wollemi Pine, means it is possible to now
reassess and compare Araucarian fossil plants going back about 116 million years to the
early Cretaceous age. It seems likely that the Wollemi Pine was once present over an
extensive area including New Zealand.
There has been worldwide interest in Wollemi Pine. On the web it has its own home page
featuring descriptions and images, and has been the subject of many conference
presentations In March 1999 the Queensland Forestry Research Institute and Birkdale
Nursery were selected as the successful partners of a consortium for commercialisation on
behalf of the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife
Service. Plants are being propagated and there will be a major international release late for
sale late in 2005. Royalties from sales will be used for plant conservation projects through
Wollemi Pine International.
Christchurch Botanic Gardens has been offered a plant as a gift by the consortium just noted
above. State Botanic Gardens in Australia are currently growing specimens of Wollemia, but
at present the only plants that are authorised for growing and display outside are at the Royal
Botanic Gardens, Kew, England, and more recently at a small number of selected botanic
gardens outside Australia. Christchurch Botanic Gardens was generously offered the second
pre-release opportunity to grow and display this unique plant (the offer initially made in
early 2004).
Up to the present time all cultivated plants are under high levels of security including secure
cages of high grade steel for those on public display. His level of security will not be
required after the global launch of the species (October 2005). A requirement of display of
the species prior to the late-2005 world release would have been that the Christchurch plant
is similarly housed to ensure that it is secure. As our plant would now be timetabled to arrive
post-release we propose to site it initially within a secure site, initially within the Gardens’
conservatory complex which is both staffed and has monitored after-hours security.
Ambrosia Nurseries Ltd will undertake limited propagation and they and the Gardens
undertake trials of the species on secure sites to determine its survival as an amenity plant for
New Zealand horticulture.
We believe that the opportunity to secure and display such a plant, especially with its iconic
status and high level of international publicity, is not only beneficial to Christchurch but to
New Zealand as a whole. The genus probably once grew in New Zealand (although no
longer here) and is a true ‘dinosaur relict’. Its presence can be used to promote biodiversity
conservation with education groups, visitors and the media, noting that the Christchurch
Botanic Gardens has 1.2 million visitors a year and two thirds of all visitors to Christchurch.
ERMA New Zealand
Cnr Waring Taylor Street & Customhouse Quay
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Phone: 04 916 2426 Fax: 04 914 0433
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It will also form a major part of a proposed Gondwanan Garden planned for the botanic
garden; this will feature several key southern hemisphere plant families including
Araucariaceae.
Section Three – Information on the Organism(s) to be Released and any
Likely Inseparable Organisms
If the application is for release of more than one organism, information must be provided
separately for each organism where there are details specific to the different organisms to be
released. If there are commercial reasons for not providing full information here, alternative
approaches must be discussed with and agreed by ERMA New Zealand.
3.1 State the taxonomic level at which the organism(s) to be released are to
be specified
Organisms may be specified at varying levels of taxonomic specification as indicated by the
interpretation in Section 2 of the Act, but “species” is the usual level. If the taxonomic level
is higher or lower than “species”, provide reasons for this. The reasons should take account
of the need to adequately describe the risks of the organism.
>
Species
3.2 Give the unequivocal identification of the organism(s) to be released
Please provide details of the following, to satisfy sections 34(c) and (d) of the Act:
Latin binomial, including full taxonomic authority (e.g. Canis familiaris Linnaeus, 1758)
class, order and family: Please provide history of any name changes and synonyms if
applicable.
>
Wollemia nobilis Jones, Hill & Allen, 1995
Jones W G, Hill K D & Allen J M, 1995, ‘Wollemia nobilis, a new living Australian genus
and species in the Araucariaceae’, Telopea, 6: 173–176.
Araucariaceae
Gymnospermae
ERMA New Zealand
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Common name(s), if any:
>Wollemi pine
Type of organism (e.g. bacterium, virus, fungus, plant, animal):
>Plant
Other information, (e.g. information on consideration of the organism(s) by other states,
countries or organisations):
> Endemic to Australia, and until recently grown in cultivation only in Australia with one
plant in UK (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew), but several other plants now distributed to UK
and elsewhere including Japan
3.3 Provide unique name(s) for the new organism(s) to be released
These name(s) will be on the public register and should clearly identify the organism (e.g.
Canis familiaris Linnaeus, 1758) as required by section 20(2)(b) of the Act.
> Wollemia nobilis Jones, Hill & Allen, 1995
3.4 Characteristics of the organism(s) to be released
Information under this heading is required to assist the identification and assessment of the
effects of the organism(s) as required by section 34(2)(e) of the Act. Provide information on
the biology, ecology and the main features or essential characteristics of each of the
organism(s) to be released. For example, comment on pathogenicity, production of
spores/seeds/pollen, conditions for growth and reproduction.
Provide information on attributes and characteristics of the family and genus the proposed
organism belongs to
ERMA New Zealand
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ER-AF-NO1R-1 12/04
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
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Provide information on the biology and lifecycle of the organism including
climatic and ecological preferences that result in the natural distribution of the
organism
habitat requirements including factors that may limit its distribution
basic description of the structure of the organism
life history and life cycle information
competitors and predators in managed and natural environments
As required by section 34(2)(f) of the Act provide information on the affinities with New
Zealand organisms/biota in terms of its potential to interact, form associations or interbreed
As required by section 34(2)(g) of the Act provide information on the potential use for the
organism.
Climatic and ecological preferences that result in the natural distribution of the
organism
>The Wollemi Pine is a relict species currently known to occur in only two sites located
about 1 km apart in Wollemi National Park on the Central Tablelands of New South Wales
in south eastern Australia. The sites are in a very wet and sheltered gorge in the Wollemi
National Park, in a rugged mountainous area immediately north of the Blue Mountains northwest of Sydney in New South Wales, Australia (NPWS 1998).
The Araucariaceae had a world-wide distribution in the Cretaceous geological period. Fossil
representation of the family is known from the Triassic period (c.200 million years BP). The
distribution of the Araucariaceae contracted at the end of the Cretaceous (c.65 million years
ago) when the species became extinct in the northern hemisphere. The genera in the southern
hemisphere have slowly declined in distribution and diversity since that time (Hill 1995 cited
in NPWS 1998). There is no evidence indicating knowledge of the Wollemi Pine in more
recent times from either Aboriginal or European historic sources (W. Jones pers. comm.
cited in NPWS 1998).
Chambers et al. (1998) state that Wollemia nobilis pollen is closely comparable to the fossil
plant genus Dilwynites (Macphail et al, 1995). The Pollen of W. nobilis has ornamentation
more closely comparable to the irregular granulate Dilwynites granulatus. Dilwynites pollen
is first recorded in Turonian strata of Australia and in Maastrichtian sediments of New
Zealand. Records of Dilwynites granulatus pollen from Paleocene period strata of Seymour
Island, western Antarctic Peninsula and related species, Dilwynites tuberculatues, from
various Cainozoic circum-Antarctic marine sediments (Macphail et al. 1995) suggest that the
ERMA New Zealand
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parent plants may also have occupied part of the Antarctic mainland during the Tertiary.
Dilwynites pollen is most abundant in Paleocene to Middle Eocene period sediments of
eastern and central Australian, and it occasionally represents the dominant element in
dispersed assemblages. It typically occurs in assemblages rich in the plant families
Casuarinaceae and Proteaceae and locally the families Cunoniaceae, Myrtaceae,
Euphorbiaceae and Nothofagus pollen. Dilwynites pollen becomes less common in late
Eocene and younger assemblages. The last know fossil Dilwynites pollen is probably late
Pliocene period specimens from Bass Strait in Australia.
Macphail et al., 1995 state that the New Zealand connection is less clear. They suspect that
fossil ‘Wollemi Pine’ – type pollen is present and, indeed, was recorded even earlier than in
Australia under a name ‘Monosulcites granulatus Couper 1996’, suggesting an affinity with
ferns or herbs. It is considered by Dr Patricia Meagher (Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney: email to David Given, June 2005) that the “attribution is correct, the ‘Wollemi’ linage
material being present during the Maastrichtian near Christchurch on the South island and at
this locality and on the east coast of the North Island during the Danian.”
Habitat requirements including factors that may limit its distribution
The Wollemi Pine is only known to grow in its natural situation on Triassic period
sandstones (Narrabeen Group) in a canyon associated with a ferny warm temperate rainforest
(NPWS 1998, where see Figure 1). This warm temperate rainforest habitat is dominated by
coachwood Ceratopetalum apetalum and sassafras Doryphora sassafras. Here the species
can survive temperatures from 23-133°F (-5 to 45°C) but they are expected to withstand even
cooler temperatures. They respond well to low light indoor environments. It grows on the
soil with pH of about 4.5.
The main species of flowering plants that grow in the wild with Wollemi Pine are
coachwood (steep lower slopes and ledges of a canyon on an acidic, sandy loam
Ceratopetalum apetalum), sassafras (Doryphora sassafras), lily pilly (Acmena smithii), soft
treefern (Dicksonia antarctica), shield ferns (Lastriopsis spp.) and umbrella fern (Sticherus
flabellatus).
Soils are sandstone-derived boulder alluvium, with high organic matter, some shale
component and a substantial basalt wash from the higher reaches of small tributary canyons
(Jones et al. 1995, cited in NPWS 1998). The soil is very shallow. In some areas there is
little or no soil layer. Roots of the Wollemi Pine plants grow into rock fissures or extend for
tens of metres away from the main groups of trunks. The soil has a poor structure and
appears to have water-repelling qualities. Levels of nutrient are low and the soil is extremely
acidic, often in the range 3-4 pH, with low levels of most elements although high in
ERMA New Zealand
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aluminium, sulphate and iron. There are patches of highly saline soil. Salt probably leaches
from the parent material (Offord et al. 1996, cited in NPWS 1998).
Senescent branches fall and contribute substantially to the litter layer (NPWS 1998).
Decomposition of these fallen branches may contribute to the low pH of the soil and this
acidity and lack of nutrients may contribute to the slow growth of mature trees and seedlings
(Offord et al.1996, cited in NPWS 1998).
All populations have been burnt or subjected to rock fall or windstorm damage. It is
postulated that if these disturbance events happen too often they may reduce or eliminate the
Wollemi pine's population (NPWS 1998). On the other hand, if there is no disturbance the
other rainforest plants may dominate the glades and prevent the Wollemi Pine's seedlings
from growing into adult trees.
The response of the Wollemi pine to fire is not known in detail (NPWS 1998). It is assumed
that intense fires will kill individuals of the Wollemi pine and that catastrophic fire is a threat
to the known populations. However, the population at Site 1 on the eastern side of the gorge
has been exposed to a fire event in the past as evidenced by fire scars on the pines and a dead
Eucalyptus piperita (Sydney Peppermint) on the eastern gorge wall (NPWS 1978). An
appropriate disturbance regime may be required to ensure the long-term viability of
populations in the wild. Further in situ monitoring is required to assist with providing
information on the role of fire in the survival of the Wollemi pine.
The Wollemi pine is restricted to highly specialized habitats in rainforest communities in
deep sandstone gorges. These wet micro-habitats act as refugia for species which are not
tolerant to drought or to high fire frequencies because they are sheltered from the hot, dry,
fire-prone conditions of the surrounding forest and woodland. Conditions within these
microhabitats have enabled the Wollemi pine to survive here and nowhere else in the wild,
and to share the habitat with other canopy species, particularly coachwood and eucalypt
species. A regime of disturbance is operating within this habitat. It appears to consist of
major events over a long time frame such as catastrophic events (fire events and rock falls)
and individual tree deaths, which produce the canopy gaps that may be necessary for
successful regeneration. More research is required before the precise nature of this
disturbance regime is known (J. Benson pers. comm., cited in NPWS 1998)).
In the distant geological past the species was probably more widespread (see above under 3.4
Climatic and ecological preferences). Evidence suggests that major gymnospermous forests
or woodland strata were once widespread in Australia, and Araucariaceae fossils have been
found in every Australian state from the Tertiary period (Lange 1982, cited in NPWS 1998)).
Studies of pollen deposits in north Queensland show a sharp and sustained decline in
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Araucaria forest and a related increase in sclerophyll vegetation from 130 000 years BP to
the present (Sluiter and Kershaw 1982, cited in NPWS 1998). A decline in the distribution of
Araucaria species appears to have taken place over millions of years through natural causes
such as major climate changes, the evolution and dominance of the environment by
angiosperms, and a probable severe reduction in numbers as a result of increasing fire
frequency. Fire frequency over the last 130 000 years has greatly increased and this is
suspected to be caused by human interference rather than climate change (Singh 1982, cited
in NPWS 1998). The distribution of the Wollemi Pine may have undergone a decline similar
to that of other species of Araucariaceae. Its distribution is now an area of less than 1
hectare.
Basic description of the structure of the organism
This is an erect conifer with attractive, unusual dark green foliage and unusual bubbly bark
(“resembling bubbling chocolate”), growing up to 40 metres high in the wild with a trunk
diameter of over one metre. The leaves on adult lateral shoots are one of the most distinctive
features of the new discovery, being arranged to in four ranks, with two ranks at about 150175° and the other two ranks lying between the first two at about 50-90°. "Adult and juvenile
shoots of Wollemia differ in leaf arrangement, leaf shape, and cuticular features: in these
features they are most similar to Araucaria. An unusual characteristic is its habit of shedding
whole branches rather than individual leaves. The Recovery Plan for this species provides
description details (NPWS 1998).
There are three different kinds of shoots or branches produced according to the age and
position of the branches. These are:
adult vertically growing shoots (orthotropic), which have a helical arrangement of leaves.
The leaves taper to an acute angle at the tip, have a sharp point, are narrowly triangular and
3-10 mm long and 2-4 mm wide at the base (NPWS 1998, figure 2a);
juvenile and lower canopy lateral shoots, which are horizontal, with leaves arranged in two
opposite ranks. The leaves are twisted with the upper surface towards the sky and are linear
to narrow triangular (NPWS 1998, figure 2b);
adult lateral shoots (plagiotropic), which are initially nearly vertical then become
horizontal and later pendulous (NPWS 1998, figure 2c). Leaves are opposite or sub-opposite
and present the upper surface to the sky.
Seeds are flat, brown and papery with a single wing around the circumference. Seeds are 711 mm long and 5-7 mm wide, and 5-9 mm wide with the wing (NPWS 1998, figure 3). The
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cone scales have a long, distal spine reminiscent of Araucaria section Eutacta, but the
winged seeds that are ontogenetically free from, and shed independently from, the cone scale
are similar to Agathis. Shoots with variable leaf types, Araucaria-like cone scales, and
Agathis- like winged seeds are found in several plant fossil assemblages from the Cretaceous
of Australia; these fossil conifers, which had been recognized as araucarian, can now be
favourably compared with Wollemia.
Life history and life cycle information
The Wollemi Pine is bisexual (monoecious), like its closest living relatives, with both male
and female cones on the same tree. The round female cones produce the seeds, and the long
male cones produce the pollen. Male cones concentrate low down but also grow on upper
branches. Pollen is cast in October or thereabouts, and wind drafts take it to female cones
that generally grow on higher branches. It is thought that cone development takes about 14
months but this is still being studied. Cones shatter in late summer – March. It is thought that
it may only be the oldest trunks are able to produce seeds (NPWS 1998).
Only about 5% of seeds are viable - not unusual in Araucarias but probably lower in the
Wollemi Pine, than in most species, due to inbreeding (NPWS 1998). It is probably selfcompatible but this is difficult to ascertain in the wild. The relatively few seeds are extremely
difficult to collect and nets need to be set up underneath the trees). Research on seed
germination and seedling growth has started and Wollemi Pine seeds are in storage in the
NSW Seedbank at Mount Annan (where the best storage methods are being researched) and
some are also being stored in the Millennium Seedbank at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
in the UK.
Seeds of the Wollemi Pine are light and winged and it is most probable that they are
dispersed by wind although not for long distances. Aerial dispersal appears to be in a downcanyon direction as the seedlings occur up to 30 metres down slope of the nearest tree but do
not occur upslope (NPWS 1998).
Seedlings have been identified in the wild population by the presence on the plants of
cotyledons and cotyledon scars. They occur in the wild on a variety of substrates including
rocks, logs, tree ferns and in the soil litter layer (W. Jones, J. Allen, field obs., cited in
NPWS 1998). Seedling recruitment in the wild may be adversely affected by the extremely
low pH of the soil and interactions with other factors such as low light availability. This will
be examined by ex situ experimentation on seedlings (Offord et al. 1996).
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Growth of seedlings in the wild appears to be very slow (W. Jones, field obs., cited in NPWS
1998). An estimate of the growth rate of seedlings in the wild will be more reliable after their
growth is recorded for a minimum of 5 years. From current observations they appear to
increase by more than one growth segment per year, but this may depend on the site and
season of germination.
In cultivation growth is much faster. Two-year-old cultivated seedlings are nearly 1 m tall.
Although mycorrhizal associations have been identified (B. Summerell pers. comm.), as yet
no mycorrhizal association appears necessary for seedling growth and survival (C. Offord
pers. comm) so that plants can be grown without any associate fungi being needed (NPWS
1998).
Through the millions of years of population decline, the Wollemi Pine has maintained its
fitness for sexual reproduction but has adopted a secondary reproductive strategy - that of
self-coppicing. This provides protection against fire and disturbance. The Wollemi Pine may
actually be a clonal species. All but one of the adult trees appear to
have a multi-trunked habit in the wild (W. Jones, J. Allen, field obs., cited in NPWS 1998,
and see figure 6 in NPWS 1998). Vegetative reproduction occurs through rudimentary buds
which are carried in the axils of leading vertical shoots. Initially, these buds can replace the
leading shoot if it is damaged. If they do not replace the leading shoot they become buried
under the thickening bark. These buds may remain dormant for long periods of time until
they sprout from older trunks or from the base of the trunks (Hill 1995, cited in NPWS
1998). This coppicing leads to a number of trunks of various ages in a mature tree. In the
wild, most trunks arise from a common base but some may derive from a suckering of larger
roots. Trunks have also developed from the epicormic shoots of fallen branches (W. Jones, J.
Allen, field obs., cited in NPWS 1998).
Adult trees have been observed to increase by one additional growth unit (referred to as stem
segments) per year from orthotropic shoots (vertical growing shoots), and no more than one
segment from plagiotropic reproductive shoots (lateral growing shoots) (C. Offord pers.
comm., cited in NPWS 1998). The nature of the multi-trunk habit makes it difficult to assess
growth rate in the short term.
Extrapolation from ring counts of a broken branch of 90 mm diameter indicates that the
largest living trunks may be about 500 years old (J. Benson pers. comm., cited in NPWS
1998). Extrapolation from the fallen trunks of some of these trees indicates that the trees may
be much older (W. Jones, J. Allen, field obs., cited in NPWS 1998). The current cohort of
mature trees may have occupied its current site for more than 1 000 years.
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Given the right conditions the trees may grow quickly for the first 15–20 metres until they
reach the canopy then they put more of their energy into the bulk of their trunks and root
systems. The species coppices which helps it to survive disturbance. While tree ring analysis
has revealed that trees with a diameter of 0.8 m may be 350+ years old, the coppice roots
may be thousands of years old. The extensive root system of the Wollemi pine may also
explain how it has survived droughts - the roots penetrate into creek beds and into cracks in
the sandstone cliffs.
Field observations of wild seedlings indicate germination of seed in situ (W. Jones, J. Allen,
field obs., cited in NPWS 1998). Initial research into seed biology indicates that the number
of viable seeds set is low (5%) (Offord 1996, cited in NPWS 1998). Results of germination
trials have confirmed that it is possible to judge germinable seed by eye and although high
percentage germinability of all seed deemed viable (over 90% ) has been obtained at 24ºC by
day, using a limited number of seeds and seed cones, there is a considerable lag period and
optimal germination occurred between 25 and 30ºC. (NPWS 1998, including Figure 8).
Better rates of germination may be obtained by a period of stratification and early findings
suggest that seeds germinate steadily after a period of less than six months in storage and that
there may be a short dormancy period which varies widely between seeds (C. Offord pers.
comm.., cited in NPWS 1998).
Mount Annan researchers have developed methods for propagating the Wollemi Pine by
cuttings, and the Queensland Forestry Research Institute is developing mass propagation
techniques. Interestingly, cuttings taken from the lateral branches produce a delightful
prostrate (low growing) plant suitable as a spreading pot plant or ground cover. After an
initial slow start, cultivated seedlings grow to about 1 metre after 3 years with a diameter
near the base of about 30 millimetres. Wollemi Pines planted out in other locations are also
being monitored for their growth rate and their growth habits. They respond well to light and
favour acid soils.
On average cultivated specimens grow around half a metre a year, although growth in the
wild is much slower. They start growing in early spring and grow upwards for around two
months. After that they concentrate their energy on growing outwards. Wollemi Pines
respond well to fertiliser. A range of potting mix requirements and levels and types of
fertilisers is being trialed. Young plants in cultivation need some protection from strong light
provided by shade cloth or the shelter of other trees (NPWS 1998).
Research is also being conducted to test the viability of utilising micro propagation methods
for commercial production.
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Competitors and predators in managed and natural environments
Birds, mainly Crimson Rosellas (Platycercus elegans), have a significant impact on seed fall
(NPWS 1998). Crimson rosellas have been observed in the field grazing along the leafy
branches and disturbing the shattered seed cones (strobili). Many seed coats falling into the
seed traps have been neatly split and the contents removed. Rodent or marsupial tooth marks
have also been found on viable looking seed. Predation from these sources appears to destroy
at least 37% of putative viable seed (C. Offord pers. comm., cited in NPWS 1998).
Tests have shown that, like many other Australian plant species, Wollemi pine is susceptible
to two common and easily transmitted pathogens: Phytophthora cinnamomi and
Botryosphaeria sp. (NWPS 1998). It is important to ensure that plants are cultivated in the
absence of these pathogens and that the plants are not subjected to stress conditions that
could predispose them to these diseases. More importantly in the wild it is essential that
hygiene measures already in place at the natural Wollemi pine sites continue to be enforced,
to ensure none of these fungal pathogens are accidentally transferred to the adult populations.
As required by section 34(2)(f) of the Act provide information on the affinities with
New Zealand organisms/biota in terms of its potential to interact, form associations or
interbreed
This ‘new’ plant may be closest in taxonomic terms to the genus Agathis (including New
Zealand kauri), but it has many features in common with extinct Cretaceous and early
Tertiary fossil groups such as Araucarioides, and is probably more closely related to these.
The most recent consensus is that Wollemia shows intermediate characteristics between
Araucaria (the genus containing monkey puzzle tree and Norfolk Island pine) and Agathis
(containing kauri) (Setoguchi et al. 1998). Pollen also more closely resembles fossil pollen
examples than pollen of living genera. Of special significance to New Zealand is that recent
molecular research shows that within the genus Agathis, the species A. australis (New
Zealand Kauri) is probably the most “distant and isolated” of all species of Agathis, having
been one of a small number of trees that survived early Tertiary (Oligocene) drowning
during the widespread inundation of New Zealand 30 million years ago (Stockler et al.
2002). This means that although there may be a common ancestry of Wollemia and Agathis
many tens of millions of years ago, New Zealand kauri (Agathis australis) is even more
isolated, and there is no chance of natural hybridization of Wollemia nobilis and Agathis
australis.
Moreover DNA samples taken from several of the 39 remaining wild plants of Wollemia,
shows no discernible variation, suggesting that the sole known population is entirely clonal
(Payne 1998, cited in NPWS 1998). In a wider study of inter-relationships between genera of
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the family Araucariaceae, sequences were obtained for the rbcL gene from chloroplast DNA
of Wollemia nobilis (Araucariaceae), 5 species of Araucaria and 4 species of Agathis
(Gilmore and Hill 1997, cited in NPWS 1998). This analysis gave similar results and
showed that 1) Araucariaceae is monophyletic [comes from one ancestral group]; 2) Agathis
and Araucaria are both monophyletic; 3) Wollemia is the sister group to Agathis (that is, has
a common ancestor); 4) the Pinaceae are the sister group to all other conifers, although the
monophyly (or single evolutionary track) of the conifers is not unequivocally
demonstrated.There is no conclusive fossil evidence to indicate when the Wollemi Pine
evolved, but a presumption that it was pre-Mesozoic (at least 90 million years before
present) (Setoguchi et al. 1998). Wollemia has some advanced morphological features, but its
pollen matches that of more ancient species (Benson 1996, cited in NPWS 1998).
As required by section 34(2)(g) of the Act provide information on the potential use for
the organism
No commercial uses are known for the species and are unlikely beyond its use as an
ornamental plant. It is critically endangered, only discovered 10 years ago and is highly
protected at its one site. However, it is envisaged by the Australian government and botanical
and conservation movements in Australia, as well as by conservation interests and
organizations globally that it has major use as a conservation tool. A considerable income
generation from sale of the plant is envisaged by Australian conservation interests through
Wollemi Pine International with that income being dedicated to conserving other plants and
habitats threatened with extinction.
3.5 Identify and characterise any likely inseparable organisms
Inseparable organisms are those which are inherently associated with the main organism e.g.
gut bacteria in animals. Information on this is required by section 34(2)(d) of the Act.
> Two types of mycorrhizal fungi have been found with the roots of the Wollemi Pine:
arbuscular mycorrhizae and ectendomycorrhizae. Finding two types of mycorrhizal fungi
was very unexpected because previously only the arbuscular type has been found in the
Araucariaceae. Of all the fungi found living on or near the trees at least one third are new to
science and probably specific to the particular habitat of wollemi pine (NPWS 1998). There
is, however, no evidence that any of the fungi noted are essential to the survival of Wollemia
nobilis and so do not need to be imported with this species.
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Section Four – The Proposed Release Programme
Provide details of the source of the organism for release and the proposed release programme
including comments on timing and location(s) of the release(s) etc.
>The organism will be sourced from Australia, through the consortium established as
Wollemi Pine International. Specifically, this will involve sourcing from the Queensland
Forestry Research Institute and Birkdale Nursery (Queensland) who are partners of a
consortium for commercialisation on behalf of the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney and the
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. Queensland Forestry are propagating and
growing them, and Birkdale will market them, under Wollemi Pine International, in
Australia and overseas. Our plant has been offered as a gift to the Christchurch Botanic
Gardens by the consortium.
It is intended that the species will be air-freighted from Brisbane direct to Christchurch and
will involve appropriate indigenous cultural ceremonies at points of departure and entry. We
have been in contact with MAF Quarantine regarding certification needs, inspection and
other procedures on arrival in New Zealand. The plant would have an international
phytosanitary clearance and we understand can be sent in a non-soil medium. We also
understand that an import health standard is required in accordance with the Biosecurity Act,
1993 (especially section 22). Our understanding is that this might involve adapting an
existing protocol for this species.
A period of quarantine is required and there will have to be initial housing in a secure and
approved quarantine facility. It is proposed that during the quarantine period the plant will be
housed in MAF-approved facilities at Ambrosia Nursery, Canterbury. In correspondence
with Dr Veronica Herrera, Biosecurity Standards Manager, Biosecurity New Zealand and
others in MAF Biosecurity, it is recognised that there is need to develop an import protocol,
and that within the request to MAF it would be best to provide points on the import including
the status of the "gift" from Australian authorities, suggestions for time frames to have the
trees here and who has been involved at both the Australian and New Zealand ends.
It has also been recommended to the applicants that we ask ERMA to contact MAF so that
the application can be discussed with regard to completion, issues they may have been
concerned about, and the input from MAF that might be needed or has already taken place.
ERMA should ensure that MAF have a copy of the application.
Following quarantine, the species will be initially grown on as a containerised plant in the
Christchurch Botanic Gardens, as a feature centre-piece for public display. Had the plant
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been acquired and publicly displayed prior to world release of this species by Wollemi Pine
International (October 2005) Australian authorities would have required that the species was
caged, but this is no longer envisaged, although the value and uniqueness of the plant (at
least until fully commercially available) means that we will be displaying it in a secure
environment including monitored alarm facilities after hours.
The accession of the plant by the Botanic Gardens will be accompanied by a media
presentation and official City Council “welcome” that will be used as an opportunity to
publicise and feature biodiversity conservation including the Global Plant Conservation
Strategy under the UN Convention on Biodiversity, the New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy
and an about to be released biodiversity strategy for Christchurch itself.
It is envisaged that Ambrosia Nurseries will undertake limited propagation and that jointly
we will trial the species indoors and outdoors, in several contrasting secure and confidential
locations, to determine precise growth and horticultural/habitat requirements. Our
expectation and certainly that of Wollemi Pine International (Australia) is that a small grove
of plants will be established by the 150th Anniversary of the Botanic Gardens in 2013.
In connection with this, the world release of the tree in October 2005 will feature a special
international auction by Sotherby’s including six “lots” of special plants propagated from the
original wild trees, one of which will be labelled as the David Given collection. Proceeds
from the sale of this “lot” will go towards native plant conservation projects in New Zealand.
The Wollemi Pine grove envisaged for the Christchurch Botanic Gardens will form part of a
new collection area designated as a Gondwana Garden to feature, educate on and celebrate
the unique flora of the southern hemisphere and especially New Zealand, including its
geological history and contribution to world science and horticulture. The family
Araucariaceae (of which the Botanic Gardens has several species already) is intended to be
one of the feature plant families of this new development. A scoping study for this display
has been completed including conceptual landscaping, species lists, some initial finance
secured and plants for the collection are being assembled as they become available.
We understand that there have been some preliminary discussions between Wollemi Pine
International and Ambrosia Nurseries to propagate the species in New Zealand if approval is
granted for its importation. We understand that all plants sold through Wollemi Pine
International and its agents will be individually certified. We would look to working closely
with this commercial nursery to promote the plant as a conservation icon especially for
indoor use. This means that we may not be directly involved in propagation of the plant
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ourselves, although we may seek retailing arrangements with such a nursery, probably with
part of the retail income generating money for plant conservation projects.
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Section Five - Identification and Assessment of Adverse Effects (Risks)
Information in this category is required by section 34(2)(e) of the Act) and in accordance
with the Methodology. This section should include information on the adverse effects of the
type referred to in the HSNO Act. As set out in section 6 of the Act, you must take account
of the physical environment, effects on human health and welfare, the relationship of Māori
and their culture and traditions and New Zealand’s international obligations.
In filling out this section please consider both the organism(s) and any inseparable organism.
It is expected that organisms meeting the rapid assessment requirements will not normally
have any significant biological risks associated with them, so that a full assessment of
adverse effects may not be necessary. However, sufficient information must be provided to
confirm this, and also to confirm that the requirements for rapid assessment are met. These
requirements are set out in Section Six of this form.
It is recommended that sections five and six of the form are filled out in parallel to ensure
that sufficient information is provided, but not duplicated.
5.1 Identification and assessment of biological and physical adverse effects
of the organism(s).
Effects in this category are those set out in sections 6(a), 6(b) and 6(c) of the Act; and
repeated in other words in section 35(2)(b) of the Act. Cross reference the material in this
sub-section with that in Section Six of the form.
> It is extremely improbable that Wollemia could for self-sustaining populations anywhere in
New Zealand, taking into account the natural occurrence of the species in a climatic zone in
Australia that is only matched in the very far North of New Zealand, but also its extreme site
and habitat restriction within that climatic zone. In fact, in its native habitat long term
survival it itself a problem. It should be noted that the species in geological terms was once
far more widespread and so is now contracted in range and not just a local endemic that has
had no opportunity for range expansion.
As already stated in this application, recent molecular research shows that A. australis (New
Zealand Kauri) is probably the most “distant and isolated” of all species of Agathis (Stockler
et al. 2002). This means that although there may be a common ancestry of Wollemia and
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Agathis many tens of millions of years ago, New Zealand kauri (Agathis australis) is the
most genetically isolated member of the genus, and there is no chance of natural
hybridization of Wollemia nobilis and Agathis australis. There are no other members of the
Araucariaceae present in New Zealand. Furthermore, the pollen of Wollemia is quite
different in structure from that of Agathis, being closer to that of extinct fossil species
(Schönberger (Landcare Research), pers. comm. 2005).
All ecological evidence points to Wollemia having a very low competitive ability. This is
probably a factor in its present natural rarity in Australia. It is also highly improbable that
Wollemia could cause deterioration of natural habitat, based on evidence from the wild or
cultivation where it in fact requires quite specialised habitat conditions. It is a classic habitat
specialist restricted in the wild to a very distinctive soil, geological and biotic habitat. It
should be noted that in the assessment of weed potential undertaken by Landcare Research
Ltd, it is noted that, “the seeds are unlikely to be produced in large quantities or wind
dispersed over long distances” (Schönberger (Landcare Research), pers. comm. 2005).
No significant diseases are transmitted by the Wollemi Pine and it is not a parasitic species.
The species has no characteristics that affect human health, or plant or animal disease.
5.2 Identification and assessment of adverse effects on the relationship of
Māori and their culture and traditions with their ancestral lands, water, sites,
waahi tapu, valued flora and fauna and other taonga
Under sections 6(d) and 8 of the HSNO Act the Authority must be satisfied that the release
of the organism does not raise particular issues for Maori. If your application might
especially possibly have impacts on native flora and fauna, or flora and fauna which it is
reasonable to think may be valued by Maori, you should address these issues here. Include
details of any consultations that you have undertaken in relation to this application. If
concerns were raised during the consultation process you should consider whether or how
you are able to address those concerns to the satisfaction of Maori.
> We do not envisage any adverse effects for Maori in relation to their culture and traditions
and relationships as expressed in the Act. It is planned that there will be cultural recognition
of its departure from Australia and arrival in New Zealand, and it may be that the plant may
be regarded as taonga on account of its distant and possibly ancestral relationship to kauri.
As already noted several lines of evidence point to the virtual impossibility of Wollemi Pine
hybridising with New Zealand kauri, an issue that was raised by several iwi. The
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requirements for iwi consultation have been rigorously met (see separate accompanying
document) and as that document shows, of eight original objections to the importation of
Wollemi Pine, six have been resolved through discussion.
5.3 Identification and assessment of other effects
Other effects include economic and related benefits and costs (section 6(e) of the Act and
impacts on New Zealand’s international obligations section 6(f) of the Act. The possibility
of economic, social and cultural effects/issues should also be covered if relevant (section
5(b) of the Act).
> No adverse economic effects or impacts on New Zealand’s international obligations
have been identified.
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Section Six – Satisfaction of the Criteria for the Rapid Assessment of
Risk from Release of the New Organism(s)
This section of the application form must include information on the matters referred to in
sections 35 and 36 of the HSNO Act. Because sections 35 and 36 have different thresholds
(i.e. highly improbable versus significant respectively), your primary concern should be to
meet the more stringent criteria. These are generally the criteria set out in section 35(2)(b).
If these criteria cannot be met then your application will fail irrespective of whether the
requirements of section 36 are met. If you do fail you can request ERMA New Zealand
continue with your application for a full (rather than rapid) assessment in which case you
will need to complete form NOR.
Please address each of the subsections below. These reflect the matters just referred to in
sections 35 and 36 in the HSNO Act. Give as much detail as the subject warrants. Include a
description of where the information in the application has been sourced from, e.g. from inhouse research, independent research, technical literature, community or other consultation.
The importance of showing that the organism(s) is obviously low risk is paramount.
As already indicated you will probably find it convenient to complete sections five and six of
the form at the same time. To avoid duplication cross reference between the two sections.
Note: If your application is for a plant, it is recommended that you obtain an independent
reputable (e.g. from Landcare Research) weed risk assessment. If the risk score is above zero
(i.e. there is some degree of weediness) then it is more likely that your application will be
declined and/or referred on for a full assessment in which case you should complete form
NOR. Please incorporate the results of your weed risk assessment into the relevant headings
below and attach a copy of the weed risk assessment.
6.1 Unwanted organisms
Under section 35(2)(a) of the HSNO Act the Authority must be satisfied that the new
organism(s) to be released are not ‘unwanted organisms’ as defined in the Biosecurity Act
1993. Note: An ‘unwanted organism’ means any organism that a chief technical officer,
appointed under the Biosecurity Act, believes is capable or potentially capable of causing
unwanted harm to any natural and physical resource or human health. Provide information
on this.
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> It is not considered that this organism will qualify as an “unwanted organism” in
terms of the criteria of the Biosecurity Act 1993. There is no evidence to suggest that it will
become a weed species (see Landcare Research assessment), will displace indigenous fauna
and flora or cannot be removed and controlled were this is required. This matter is elaborated
in the sections below.
6.2 Probability of the new organism forming self-sustaining populations and
ease of eradication
Under section 35(2)(b)(i) of the HSNO Act the Authority must be satisfied that it is highly
improbable that the organism, after release, could establish self-sustaining populations
anywhere in New Zealand, taking into account the ease of eradication. Please assess the
potential of the organisms to establish self-sustaining populations. Also assess how easy it
would be to eradicate the organism if it was to establish and by what means would
eradication be possible (e.g. mechanical, chemical, biological control, lack of reproductive or
propagative potential etc.) and at what cost? For ease of reading please provide material
under separate sub-headings as below.
Formation of self-sustaining population
> Members of the family Araucariaceae are generally regarded as safe to grow in new
environments and unlikely to pose invasive weed problems compared to many other plants
(P. Williams, Landcare Research pers. comm. 2004). As one highly qualified Australian
botanic garden scientist researching this species has suggested, “I will eat my hat if this thing
ever becomes a weed.” Within the family Araucariaceae only Araucaria angustifolia and A.
heterophylla are recorded anywhere in the world as naturalised and the naturalisation of the
latter at several locations is likely to be as much due to sheer numbers planted as any
tendency towards weediness (P. Williams, pers. comm., 2004). The following points are
especially noted:
Seed viability is low;
Its present and recent geographic range is extremely limited;
The species in the wild has a highly specialised ecology in relation to vegetation and soil;
Susceptibility to fungal pathogen attack.
A Weed Risk Assessment has been carried out by Landcare Research (21 April 2005) and
the summary of this assessment is:
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“In summary Wollemia nobilis is a great scientific discovery. It is threatened in its natural
habitat. Wollemia nobilis is the only species in a monotypic genus and the seeds are unlikely
to be produced in large quantities or wind dispersed over long distances. It is unlikely to
hybridise with any native species (unlikely to form intergeneric hybrids, closest genus
Agathis has quite different pollen structure). Based on this information the weed risk
assessment score (conducted by Dr Peter A. Williams, Landcare research, Nelson) is -3
(attached), which gives an outcome of “Accept”. We consider the likelihood of this species
establishing in the wild and becoming a weed in New Zealand as extremely remote. We
therefore consider the weed risk of imported Wollemia nobilis plants to be negligible.”
Root growth is strong, but not so vigorous that plants will require frequent re-potting or will
be invasive in the garden. It does engage in increase by vegetative means, all but one of the
adult trees in the wild appearing to have a multi-trunked habit. Through the millions of years
of population decline, the Wollemi Pine has maintained some fitness for sexual reproduction
but has also adopted a secondary reproductive strategy - that of self-coppicing – probably to
protect itself against the effects of fire.
Tests have shown that, like many other Australian plant species, Wollemi pine is susceptible
to two common and easily transmitted pathogens: Phytophthora cinnamomi and
Botryosphaeria sp. An important aspect of recovery of the natural population is to ensure
that plants are cultivated in the absence of these pathogens and that the plants are not
subjected to stress conditions that could predispose them to these diseases. More importantly
in the wild it is essential that hygiene measures already in place at the natural Wollemi pine
sites continue to be enforced, to ensure none of these fungal pathogens are accidentally
transferred to the adult populations.
Ease of eradication
> In the exceedingly remote and unlikely situation that unwanted seedlings did occur,
members of the family Araucariaceae can be readily removed from sites where they are not
wanted by a combination of hand pulling and woody herbicide spraying, and it is highly
unlikely that a long term seed bank will be formed in the soil.
ERMA New Zealand
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6.3 Probability of the new organism displacing or reducing a valued species
or causing any significant displacement of any native species within its
natural habitat
Under section 35(2)(b)(ii) of the HSNO Act the Authority must be satisfied that it is highly
improbable that the organism, after release, could displace or reduce a valued species. The
Authority must also take into account the sustainability of all native flora and fauna and it
will decline the application if displacement of any native species within its natural habitat is
significant under section 36(a) of the HSNO Act. Provide an assessment of these matters.
For example, how likely is it that the new organism(s) will affect the abundance or
geographical distribution of a native or valued introduced species such as kauri, kiwi,
ryegrass, or trout? Note: It is important to identify and address how any potential effect is
likely or unlikely to occur.
> The members of the family Araucariaceae do not, as a general case, form dense and
shading groups of trees that exclude other species. They do form monotypic stands in some
instances (e.g., Araucaria araucana) but this is because they tend to be species of poor soil
and moderate stress sites such as coastal areas, volcanoes etc. In such situations (which have
been observed by the applicant (DRG)) trees are well separated and with plenty of light gaps.
Where they are forest species, like many other tree species, they can form dense initial stands
as juveniles (e.g., kauri) but then only a percentage of individuals mature so that adult trees
are usually well separated, with a lower layer of diverse and different species as seen in
North Auckland kauri forest. In the case of Wollemia the small size of the known population
in two sites and its extreme ecological and geographic restriction suggests that it will not
form competitive populations or vegetation that will oust other native species. There is no
known evidence of displacement of other species under cultivation.
6.4 Probability of the new organism(s) causing any significant deterioration
of natural habitats
Under section 35(2)(b)(iii) of the HSNO Act the Authority must be satisfied that it is highly
improbable that the organism, after release, could cause deterioration of natural habitats.
Please assess this matter. For example, how likely is it that the new organism(s) will
influence the biophysical quality of, for instance, freshwater lakes and streams, or the canopy
of native forests?
> There is no known evidence of the species causing natural habitat deterioration. Young
plants in cultivation need some protection from strong light provided by shade cloth or the
ERMA New Zealand
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shelter of other trees and its habitat needs are highly specific, suggesting that it will actually
need appropriate habitat that will mimic natural conditions even in cultivation to survive
long term.
6.5 Probability of the new organism causing disease, being parasitic, or
becoming a vector or reservoir for human, animal or plant disease
Under section 35(2)(b)(iv) of the HSNO Act the Authority must be satisfied that it is highly
improbable that the organism could cause disease, be parasitic, or become a vector for
human, animal, or plant disease. Please assess these matters. For example, what evidence is
there from other countries that the new organism(s) are hosts for plant viruses, or are carriers
of
bacteria
pathogenic
in
humans?
> There are no reported adverse effects on human health and safety. The species has a
number of associated fungi but literature reports indicate that many of these are endemic to
this one species and none are required for the species to survive. The only New Zealand
member of the family is Agathis australis (kauri) but the direct relationship between this and
Wollemia is far back in the geological record so no opportunity for disease transfer is
anticipated. There is no evidence of such transfer between Wollemia and Australian relatives
of kauri. The organism is not parasitic.
6.6 Probability of the new organism having any adverse effects on human
health and safety or the environment
Under section 35(2)(b)(v) of the HSNO Act the Authority must be satisfied that it is highly
improbable that the organism will have any adverse effects on human health and safety or
the environment. Section 36(c) requires that the organism is unlikely to cause any
significant adverse effects on human health or safety. Please assess these matters. For
example, is there evidence of people displaying allergic reactions to the organism itself or
pollen from the new organism(s); are the new organisms venomous?
> No likelihood of any adverse effects – the family is not noted to be toxic, poisonous
or carry any organisms injurious to human health. There are no reported adverse effects on
human health and safety.
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6.7 Likelihood of the new organism(s) causing any significant adverse
effects on New Zealand’s inherent genetic diversity
Under section 36(d) of the HSNO Act the Authority must decline the application if the
organism is likely to cause any significant adverse effect to New Zealand’s inherent genetic
diversity. Please assess this matter. For example, how likely is it that the new organism(s)
will hybridise with native or valued species or affect their current distribution?
> Exceedingly unlikely. As it is a mono-specific genus it would not cross breed with any
other species, especially considering its low rate of reproduction and extreme antiquity. It is
not thought to be closely related to any existing members of the family Araucariaceae, and so
is not able to hybridise naturally with other extant species.
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Section Seven – Overall evaluation
Although not required because it is a task for the decision maker, applicants may provide
their own overall evaluation of the information in Sections 5 and 6 above. In doing this the
first step is to address the criteria set out in Section 6. Organisms must satisfy all these
criteria in order to be eligible for rapid assessment. The more general risk assessments in
Section 5 are intended to both support the Section 6 information and to provide information
on risks which lie outside the statutory criteria for rapid assessment, but are covered by Part
II of the Act.
>
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Section Eight – Additional Information
8.1 Do any of the organism(s) need approvals under any other New Zealand
legislation or are affected by international obligations?
For example, indicate whether the organism may be subject to other New Zealand
legislation, e.g. the Biosecurity Act 1993; or if the organism(s) are listed in CITES, then
approval is required from both the importing and exporting countries.
> The species is not currently included in any of the CITES appendices, but is listed in
Australia as an endangered species both federally and at a State level. Appropriate permits
will be handled by the exporting authorities, noting that the organism will come from a
cultivated nursery source that is already government approved as part of the consortium
approach involving NSW and Queensland State conservation agencies. The species has
already been exported from Australia on several occasions, and this application concerns a
plant that has been offered by the distributing consortium to New Zealand.
ERMA have confirmed that approval is required through the Biosecurity Act (MAF) as this
will be a full release. The plant would have an international-level phytosanitary clearance
and we understand can be sent in a non-soil medium. An import health standard is required
in accordance with the Biosecurity Act, 1993 (especially section 22). Our understanding is
that this could involve adapting an existing protocol for this species. The applicants are
currently in correspondence wi9th MAF Biosecurity regarding this and have sent a formal
letter of request to the appropriate officer.
A period of quarantine is required and there will have to be initial housing in a secure and
approved quarantine facility. It is proposed that during the quarantine period the plant will be
housed in MAF-approved facilities at Ambrosia Nursery, Canterbury. The applicants note
the desirability of forwarding the ERMA application to MAF Biosecurity
8.2 Have any of the new organism(s) in this application previously been
considered in New Zealand or elsewhere?
For example, have the organism(s) been previously considered for import (e.g. under the
previous Plants or Animals Acts or under the HSNO Act)? Also include information on all
occasions where the organism(s) have been considered by other countries, governments or
organisations and the results of such considerations.
ERMA New Zealand
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> Not for New Zealand (noting that the species was only discovered 10 years ago). As a
plant is held at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, England, and other plants are now
distributed to several other botanic gardens, it has been considered and approved for
importation to the United Kingdom. Previous approval has been granted to import Wollemia
nobilis into containment under the HSNO Act in the application NOC01006 (approval code
NOC002158). This has been for laboratory research.
8.3 Is there any additional information that you consider relevant to this
application that has not already been included? Please provide any such
information that is material to the organism(s) concerned
> The application has generated considerable political and administrative interest, apart
from the matter of horticulture, science and education. The offer of the plant to the
Christchurch Botanic Gardens by the distributing consortium in Australia is high priority for
the Australian consortium.
8.4 Provide a glossary of scientific and technical terms used in the
application
>
araucarian: related to or dominated by members of the gymnosperm family Araucariaceae.
arbuscular mycorrhizae: fungi that produce distinctive structures when associatyed with plant
roots and the associations formed between these fungi and the host plant.
clonal: genetically identical, and generally applied to reproduction (e.g., by cuttings) or to a
population where all individuals are genetically the same.
cohort: group of individuals that are of the same age, often following a single reproduction
event.
coppice: a habit where multiple trunks are produced from the base of, or low on a tree, rather
than a single trunk.
cuticular features: features of the outer cell layer of an organism, e.g., of the leaf or branches.
ERMA New Zealand
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DNA: desoxyribonucleaic acid that forms the building blocks of life, and often applied to
biochemical studies of DNA that enable genetic identity or fingerprints to be determined.
ectendomycorrhizae: mycorrhizal type that seems to be intermediate between ecto- and
endo-mycorrhizae, and so have a partial sheath of fungal tissue arounbd the roots of a plant.
epicormic: applied usually to young shoots or new branches that emerge out of a mature
trunk of a tree.
extant: currently surviving.
gymnospermous forests: forests dominated or characterised by ‘gymnosperms’ the plant
group that includes pines, kauri, podocarps, etc.
mono-specific genus: a genus that includes only a single species.
monotypic genus/stand: genus of only one species, or group of trees that consists of only a
single species
mycorrhizal: symbiotic association of the mycelium (or living tissue network) of a fungus
with the roots of certain plants
ontogenetically: the history of the development of an individual living organism, from
fertilization of the egg to sexual maturity.
pathogen: disease-forming organism.
pH: measure of acidity, lower pH indicating more acidic and higher indicating more alkaline.
refugia: a location that includes species of animals and/or plants that survive at that site but
have become extinct elsewhere.
relict (or relictual): generally applied to a species that has survived a long period through
geological time with its relatives becoming extinct.
regime: currently operating system, and in ecology generally referring to a major and overriding influence such as fire.
ERMA New Zealand
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sclerophyll forest/vegetation: forest dominated by “thick-leaved” species that are fire adapted
(in the Australian context usually means dominated by Eucalyptus or gum trees.
self-compatible: able to pollinate itself and set viable seed without using pollen from another
plant.
self-coppicing: producing multiple trunks from the base of the plant in nature.
Taonga: literally “treasure” for New Zealand Maori
8.5 List of appendices
List any appendices included with this application. Any information that is commercially
sensitive or additional material included with the application (such as details of
consultations, referenced articles) should be contained in appendices. The main application
should refer to the relevant appendices but the application is able to be read as a stand-alone
document.
>
(1) ERMA ER-AF-N01R-1 05/04 Section 5.3 Iwi Consultation Process
Includes:
Iwi consultation summary
Iwi cover letter
Weed Risk assessment report
David Given CV and botanical report (used during iwi consultation)
Iwi response and communication records.
8.6 References
Please include a list of the references cited in and supplied with this application form.
Originals of the references must be supplied in full. Where the reference supplied is an
extract from a book only the specific pages quoted must be supplied.
>
This includes both specific references in the application and a complete bibliography on the
species. References that are asterisked are cited in the official recovery plan (NPWS 1998).
Anonymous, 1995, Fears for ancient pines after scavengers find secret grove. Sydney
Morning Herald 24-02-95:1.
ERMA New Zealand
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Anon, 1995, 'Extinct' native pine rediscovered [Wollemi pine, discovered in an almost
inaccessible part of the Wollemi National Park, about 200 kms. west of Sydney, was
believed to have become extinct 150 million years ago]. The Greener Times, Jan.:7.
Anon, 1995, Checks on site of rare trees. [Wollemi Pines] Sydney Morning Herald 28-0295:5.
*Benson J, 1996, ‘Threatened by discovery: research and management of the Wollemi Pine,
Wollemia nobilis Jones, Hill & Allen', in Stephens, S & Maxwell, S (eds) Back From the
Brink: Refining the threatened species recovery process, Surrey Beatty & Sons, Sydney, pp.
105–109.
Briggs B G, 2000, ‘What is significant — the Wollemi Pine or the southern rushes?’ Annals
of the Missouri Botanical Garden. 87: 72–80.
Bullock S, Summerell B A & Gunn L V, 2000, ‘Pathogens of the Wollemi Pine, Wollemia
nobilis’, Australasian Plant Pathology, 29: 211–214.
Burrows G E, 1998, ‘Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis, Araucariaceae) possesses the same
unusual leaf axil anatomy as other investigated members of the family’, Australian Journal
of Botany, 47: 61–68.
Burrows G E & Bullock S, 1999, ‘Leaf anatomy of Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis,
Araucariaceae)’, Australian Journal of Botany, 47:795-806.
Burrows G E, Offord C A, Meagher P F and Ashton K, 2003 'Axillary meristems and the
development of epicormic buds in Wollemi pine (Wollemia nobilis)', Annals of Botany,
92:935-844.
Brophy J, Goldsack R J, Wu M M Z, Fooks J R & Forster P I, 2000, ‘The steam volatile oil
of Wollemia nobilis and its comparison with other members of the Araucariaceae (Agathis
and Araucaria)’, Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, 28: 563–578.
Chambers T C, Drinnan A N & McLoughlin S, 1998, ‘Some morphological features of
Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis, Araucariaceae) and their comparison to Cretaceous plant
fossils’, International Journal of Plant Science, 159: 160–171.
da Sliva, W, Dec 1997, 'On the trail of the lonesome Pine', New Scientist, pp 36-39.
Dettmann, M E & Jarzen, D M, 2000, 'Pollen of extant Wollemia (Wollemi Pine) and
comparisons with pollen of other extant and fossil Araucariaceae, in M.M. Harley, C.M.
ERMA New Zealand
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Morton & S. Blackmore (Eds). Pollen & Spores: Morphology & Biology, pp. 197–203.
Royal Botanic Gardens Kew.
Diver J, 2002, 'Leave the Wollemi pine alone', Australian Geographic, 66: 37.
Duffy, D 1997, 'David Noble and the Wollemi Pine' in Foster, D & Duffy, M (eds) Crossing
the Blue Mountains: Journeys through two centuries, from naturalist Charles Darwin to
novelist David Foster, Duffy & Snellgrove, Sydney, pp. 177-186.
Fensom G & Offord C, 1997, ‘Propagation of the Wollemi pine (Wollemia nobilis)’,
Combined Proceedings of the International Plant Propagators Society, 47: 66–67.
Gilmore S & Hill K D, 1997, ‘Relationships of the Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis) and a
molecular phylogeny of the Araucariaceae’, Telopea, 7: 275–291.
Greenaway, C.,1995, Jurassic pines in Wollemi Park. Wildlife Australia 32(1):3.
Hanson L, 2001, ‘Chromosome number, karyotype and DNA C-value of the Wollemi Pine
(Wollemia nobilis, Araucariaceae)’, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society,135: 271–274.
Heady, R D, Banks, J G & Evans, P D, 2002, 'Wood anatomy of Wollemi pine (Wollemia
nobilis, Araucariaceae)', IAWA Journal 23: 339-357.
*Hill K D, 1995, ‘The Wollemi Pine, watch out, look around you’, The Gardens, 27: 8–9.
Hill K D, 1996, ‘The Wollemi Pine: discovering a living fossil’, Nature and Resources, 32:
20–25.
Hill K D, 1997, ‘Architecture of the Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis, Araucariaceae), a
unique combination of model and reiteration’, Australian Journal of Botany, 45: 817–826.
Hogbin P M, Peakall R & Sydes M A, 2000, ‘Achieving practical outcomes from genetic
studies of rare Australian plants’, Australian Journal of Botany, 48: 375–382.
Jones, W. (1995). Wollemi Pine - the missing link? On the Brink 6: 2.
*Jones W G, Hill K D & Allen J M, 1995, ‘Wollemia nobilis, a new living Australian genus
and species in the Araucariaceae’, Telopea, 6: 173–176.
Lake, J, 2000, ‘ "Living fossil" set to become next trend', Australian Horticulture, 98(6):4144.
ERMA New Zealand
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Lambert J B & Poinar Jr G O, 2002, 'Amber: the organic gemstone', Accounts of Chemical
Research, 35: 628-636.
Lambert, J B, Shawl C E, Poinar Jr G O & Santiago-Blay J A, 1999, 'Classification of
modern resins by solid state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Bioorganic
Chemistry, 27: 409-433.
*Lange R.T., 1982, Australian tertiary vegetation. In: A History of AustralianVegetation,
(J.M.B. Smith Ed.). McGraw Hill Book Co., Australia.
*Macphail M, Hill K, Partridge A, Truswell E & Foster C, 1995, ‘Wollemi Pine — old
pollen records for a newly discovered genus of gymnosperm’, Geology Today, 11: 48–49.
McGee P A, Bullock S & Summerell B A, 1999, ‘Structure of mycorrhizae of the Wollemi
Pine (Wollemia nobilis) and related Araucariaceae’, Australian Journal of Botany, 47: 85–
95.
Meagher, P & Offord, C, 2000, 'Wollemi Pine: back to the future', The Gardens, 44:6.
Meagher, P & Offord, C, 2002, 'The Wollemi pine: more than a new landscape tree', Parks
and Leisure Australia 5(4): 11-14.
NPWS, 1998, 'Wollemi Pine Recovery Plan', NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service,
Sydney.
*Offord C. A. (1995) Horticultural Research on the Wollemi Pine. Friends of the
Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney Newsletter, November - January 1995-1996.
*Offord, C, 1996, 'Australia's living fossil tree - the wollemi pine', Australian Garden
History, 8(3):11.
Offord C A, 1996, ‘Conserving the Wollemi Pine: an integrated approach’, Danthonia, 5:
12–14.
*Offord C.A., Errington G. and Cuneo P. (1996) Report to the management
committee work at Mount Annan Botanic Garden. Unpublished report, July 1996.
Offord C A, Porter C L, Meagher P F & Errington G, 1999, ‘Sexual reproduction and early
plant growth of the Wollemi pine (Wollemia nobilis), a rare and threatened Australian
conifer’, Annals of Botany, 84: 1–9.
Offord C A & Meagher P F, 2001, ‘Effects of temperature, light and stratification on seed
germination of Wollemi pine (Wollemia nobilis, Araucariaceae)', Australian Journal of
Botany, 49:699-704.
ERMA New Zealand
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ER-AF-NO1R-1 12/04
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Payne, Christine, 1998, http://www.axon.com.au/mindsight/Wollemi/index.htm. The Wollemi pine - a
portrait.
Peakall R, 1998, ‘Exceptionally low genetic diversity in an ancient relic, the Wollemi Pine:
implications for conservation theory and practice’, Abstracts 86, 45th Annual Meeting of the
Genetics Society of Australia.
Peakall R, Ebert D, Scott L J, Meagher P F, and Offord C A, . 'Comparative genetic study
confirms exceptionally low genetic variation in the ancient and endangered relictual conifer,
Wollemia nobilis (Araucariaceae)'. Molecular Ecology, 12(9):2331-2343.
Ravallion, J, 2000, 'New Wollemi pine site found', Danthonia 9(3):5.
Setoguchi H, Osawa T A, Pintaud J C, Jaffre T & Veillon J-M, 1998, ‘Phylogenetic
relationships within Araucariaceae based on rbcL gene sequences’, American Journal of
Botany, 85: 1507–1516.
*Singh G. (1982) Environmental upheaval. In: A History of Australian Vegetation,(J.M.B.
Smith Ed.). McGraw Hill Book Co., Australia.
*Sluiter I.R. and Kershaw A. P. (1982) The nature of late Tertiary vegetation in Australia.
Alcheringa 6, pp. 211-22.
Stefanovíc S, Jager M, Deutsch J, Broutin J & Masselot M, 1998, ‘Phylogenetic relationships
of conifers inferred from partial 28S rDNA gene sequences’, American Journal of Botany,
85: 688–697.
Stockler, K., I.L. Daniel and P.J. Lockhart 2002: New Zealand kauri (Agathis australis)
(D.Don)Lindl., Araucariaceae) survives Oligocene drowning. Systematic Biology 51: 827832.
Strobel G A, Hess W M, Li J-Y, Ford E, Sears J, Sidhu R S & Summerell B, 1997,
‘Pestalotiopsis guepinii, a Taxol-producing Endophyte of the Wollemi Pine, Wollemia
nobilis’, Australian Journal of Botany, 45: 1073–1082.
Tasker, EM, 2003, Nursing an "extinct" tree back to health, National Geographic News.
Various authors, August 2001, 'The Wollemi Pine: a survivor from the time of the
dinosaurs'. An insert in the Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney’s magazine
updating research findings.
ERMA New Zealand
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Von Kramer, H, 2000, 'Zur Verjungung der Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis) - Regeneration
of the Wollemi pine (Wollemia nobilis)’. Forst und Holz 55 Jahrgang, 14: 454-455.
Woodford, J., 1995, Intruders damage Wollemi pines. The Age 24-02-1995: 5.
Woodford, J, 2000, The Wollemi Pine, Text Publishing, Melbourne.
www.rbgsyd.gov.au/information_about_plants/wollemi_pine
www.botanik.uni-bonn.de/conifers/ar/wo/
ERMA New Zealand
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Section Nine– Application Summary
Summarise the application in clear, simple language that can be understood by the general
public. Include a description of the organism(s) to be released, the potential use of the
organism, and any risks associated with their release. This summary will be used to provide
information for those people and agencies that will be notified of the application (e.g.
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Department of Conservation) and for members of the
public who request information. Note: Do not include any commercially sensitive
information in this summary – this should be attached as a separate appendix and
clearly marked “confidential”.
> The application is for the importation of Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis) of the family
Araucariaceae, which includes kauri and Norfolk Island Pine. These are not true ‘pines’ but
are an ancient group of trees that evolved more than 100 million years ago. Wollemia is a
‘living fossil’ analogous to tuatara and dawn redwood, and prior to the discovery of living
plants in Australia just over ten years ago it was known only from fossil material over 90
million years old.
In the wild it is critically endangered, being known from two very small populations In a
remote part of Wollemi National Park, New South Wales. It is an erect tree that can grow to
40 metres height in the wild. It has attractive foliage and form and an unusual ‘bubbly’ bark,
all features that make it an attractive prospect for cultivation. Currently it is in very
restricted and contained cultivation in several Australian botanic gardens, at the Royal
Botanic Gardens, Kew, and in a Japanese botanic garden.
The wollemi pine is most closely related to the genus Agathis that includes New Zealand
kauri. Despite this, consultation with molecular biologists and perusal of recent literature
indicates that its separation from even Agathis for many tend of millions of years means that
it will not naturally hybridise with any of the kauri species. Its very restricted natural range,
relatively poor seed set and narrow habitat range suggests that it is unlikely to become a
weed species; this is confirmed in a weed potential assessment carried out by Landcare
Research who rate its weed potential as not significant. The plant is not known to carry
obligatory associates (insects, fungi etc.).
Propagation, dispersal and publicity on this species is vested in Wollemi Pine International, a
consortium selected by Australian government interests. In 2004 the consortium offered a
plant to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens as a gift, at that time only the second such offer
ERMA New Zealand
Cnr Waring Taylor Street & Customhouse Quay
PO Box 131
Wellington
Phone: 04 916 2426 Fax: 04 914 0433
Email: info@ermanz.govt.nz
Website: www.ermanz.govt.nz
ER-AF-NO1R-1 12/04
Import for Release a New Organism that is not a Genetically
Modified Organism by Rapid Assessment
Page 40
made to an institution outside Australia. A major world release of the species is planned for
October 2005, this being associated with a Sotherby’s auction of plants. This will include
bidding for six special lots containing several plants each, one of which will be dedicated to
conservation project funding in New Zealand. There has been worldwide interest in this
species and its release, and it has its own dedicated web site.
Plants will be sold at a premium price that includes a portion of the receipts being dedicated
to plant conservation. Thus the wollemi pine will become an icon for plant conservation and
a means of funding conservation projects in both Australia and elsewhere including New
Zealand. Importation of the initial plant and subsequent plants into New Zealand would
accord with biosecurity requirements, for example avoiding importation of soil and any
quarantine requirements. Initially the species would be housed for public display at
Christchurch Botanic Gardens. It is intended that the tree be propagated and trialed at
several confidential sites across New Zealand to determine performance before being made
more widely available. No commercial use is envisaged and the major use of this species will
be in being amenity cultivation in botanic gardens and longer term in private gardens.
Checklist
Please check and complete the following before submitting your application:
All sections completed
Yes
Appendices enclosed
Yes/ NA*
Confidential information identified and enclosed separately
Yes/NA
Copies of additional references attached
Yes/NA
Cheque for initial fee enclosed (incl. GST)†
Yes/No
If “yes”, state amount:
$……….
Fee direct credited to ERMA bank account:
Yes/No
If ‘yes” give date of DC …/…/… and amount:
$……….
Application signed and dated
Yes
Electronic copy of application e-mailed to ERMA New Zealand
Yes
*NA – not applicable
†
The cost of the application (our fee) can be found in the “Fees and Charges Schedule” on
our web site under “New Organisms” and “NO and GMO Forms and Publications”
http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/resources/publications/pdfs/ER-FE-03-5.pdf
ERMA New Zealand
Cnr Waring Taylor Street & Customhouse Quay
PO Box 131
Wellington
Phone: 04 916 2426 Fax: 04 914 0433
Email: info@ermanz.govt.nz
Website: www.ermanz.govt.nz
ER-AF-NO1R-1 12/04
Import for Release a New Organism that is not a Genetically
Modified Organism by Rapid Assessment
Signed:
ERMA New Zealand
Cnr Waring Taylor Street & Customhouse Quay
PO Box 131
Wellington
Phone: 04 916 2426 Fax: 04 914 0433
Email: info@ermanz.govt.nz
Website: www.ermanz.govt.nz
Date:
Page 41