A rust new to New Zealand, Puccinia cnici-oleracei, was collected from yarrow (Achillea millefolium) leaves on a riverbank in Hanson Park, Christchurch. The name P. cnici-oleracei has been used in a broad sense for a long time, with the type specimen of this species having been described from Cirsium. Recent work suggests the name is used too broadly and host-specific forms should be renamed as varieties of Puccinia xanthi. Molecular work needs to be done to clarify the species complex and host relationships. The biosecurity risk associated with this fungus is negligible. The unwanted organism status of this rust has been removed.