The World's Most poisonous deadliest Tree
Labour Primary Ministries spokesman Damien O'Connor called for a "massive" injection of funding to protect some of the country's most iconic species.
He also questioned whether there was a Government Industry Agreement to fight the disease.
Myrtle rust can seriously damage various species of native and introduced plants in the myrtle family, including pohutukawa, rata, manuka, gum, bottlebrush and feijoa.
It is too soon to say whether it could have an impact on the multi-million dollar manuka honey industry.
The fungal disease was discovered in a tree nursery in Kerikeri among five pohutukawa seedlings, Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy said.
"MPI has moved quickly and initiated a restricted place notice to restrict the movement of any plants and people at the site, and is treating nursery stock with fungicide spray as a precaution. Work is also underway to trace any stock that has left the nursery and all other nurseries in Kerikeri are being inspected today.
"The disease is prevalent in eastern Australia and Tasmania, and was discovered on Raoul Island in late March this year."
It is thought the disease arrived on the wind from Australia. While it is not known how long it has been on the mainland, it is possible it arrived as recently as when Cyclone Debbie hit in April.
He also questioned whether there was a Government Industry Agreement to fight the disease.
Myrtle rust can seriously damage various species of native and introduced plants in the myrtle family, including pohutukawa, rata, manuka, gum, bottlebrush and feijoa.
It is too soon to say whether it could have an impact on the multi-million dollar manuka honey industry.
The fungal disease was discovered in a tree nursery in Kerikeri among five pohutukawa seedlings, Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy said.
"MPI has moved quickly and initiated a restricted place notice to restrict the movement of any plants and people at the site, and is treating nursery stock with fungicide spray as a precaution. Work is also underway to trace any stock that has left the nursery and all other nurseries in Kerikeri are being inspected today.
"The disease is prevalent in eastern Australia and Tasmania, and was discovered on Raoul Island in late March this year."
It is thought the disease arrived on the wind from Australia. While it is not known how long it has been on the mainland, it is possible it arrived as recently as when Cyclone Debbie hit in April.
