A drop in the number of kauri dieback trespass notices issued this summer is good news, says Auckland Mayor Phil Goff.

Six notices have been issued by the council since December – down from 22 last summer.

The number of warning notices issued also fell from 18 to seven.

Goff said it showed the message was getting through that sticking to the rules would help protect kauri for future generations.

“If we’re to protect our iconic kauri trees, it’s really important not to go down tracks that have been closed, that have not been upgraded, and where there’s a risk that human beings can help spread the dieback disease,” Goff said.