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Legal controls on the movement of fruits and vegetables in a central Auckland suburb could be in place for four weeks after a Queensland fruit fly was discovered.
Mike Inglis, commissioner north for Biosecurity New Zealand, said the restrictions in Mt Roskill had come into force after a single maleof the species was found in a surveillance trap.
The traps are located in fruit trees in residential backyards, and no other flies have been found.
The new rules mean fruit and vegetables cannot move outside the specific area in which the fruit fly was found.
Within this area are two zones: zone A, which is a 200m zone and includes 262 properties, and a larger zone B, covering a 1500m area and including 8300 properties.
No whole fresh fruit or vegetables, except leafy vegetables and soil-free root vegetables, whether bought or grown, can be moved outside zone A.
No fruit and vegetables grown in zone B can be moved outside the area.
Inglis said Biosecurity NZ staff had been laying 400 more traps within a 1500m area of the original find, while also sharing information with local households and the community.
“Legal controls are a critical precaution while we investigate whether further flies are present in the area. Should there be more out there, this will help prevent their spread.”
Fruit and vegetable bins outside Greens and Grains dairy in Mt Roskill are largely empty as a biosecurity operation to hunt down the Queensland fruit fly ramps up. Photo / Jason Dorday
There are fears that, if the Queensland fruit fly were to become established in New Zealand, it could wreak havoc in the horticultural industry, including damaging fruit and vegetables and causing restrictions on exports.
“We recognise that, for people living in and around the controlled area, these restrictions can be inconvenient,” Inglis said.
Antony Steam, who works at the Greens and Grains dairy in Mt Roskill, received a brochure from Biosecurity NZ about the Queensland fruit fly restrictions. Photo / Jason Dorday
“But they’re important, because following these directions protects our horticultural industries, home gardens, and our New Zealand way of life.
“It is likely the restrictions will be in place for at least the next four weeks.”
Anyone who wishes to report a suspected fruit fly is encouraged to call the Ministry for Primary Industries’ hotline on 0800 809966.
