Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle. Photo: Vanuatu Daily Post

New Zealand has announced a $US11.5 million funding focus on efforts to combat the invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle which is threatening plantations across the Pacific.

The beetle damages or kills coconut and oil palm trees, which feed into integral industries in many Pacific countries.

New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trades said if the beetle continues to spread it is estimated the region could lose at least $US151 million per annum by 2040.

The funding will target efforts in Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands to combat a new type of coconut rhinoceros beetle and to support.