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Foliage samples from <i>Podocarpus totara</i> with severe needle browning and needle loss in the lower part of the crown were observed in 2011 in the Gisborne region of New Zealand. A <i>Phytophthora</i> genus-specific test applied directly to the needles gave a strong positive result, and subsequent isolations yielded colonies of a slow-growing oomycete. Morphological examination in vitro revealed a <i>Phytophthora</i> species. Preliminary comparisons of the rDNA (ITS), and ras-related protein (<i>Ypt</i>) gene regions with international DNA sequence revealed low sequence similarity to species from the downy mildew genus <i>Peronospora</i>, as well as clade 3 <i>Phytophthora</i> species. Other studies have also demonstrated the close relationship with <i>Peronospora</i>. The species was given the interim designation <i>Phytophthora</i> taxon tōtara pending further examination. Here, we formally describe <i>Phytophthora podocarpi</i> sp. Nov. and its associated disease, tōtara needle blight.