MAF quarantine inspector Edward Baigent is busy checking for pests as thousands of roses come through Auckland Airport. Photo / Dean Purcell
Roses are once again the red-hot favourite as romantics everywhere hurry to get their loved one a special gift for Valentine's Day.
Thousands of roses from India were air-freighted into Auckland during the weekend.
The flowers were inspected by Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry officials for pests, before being auctioned
off to wholesalers, florists and supermarkets in time for the big day tomorrow.
A dozen roses will set you back anything from $45 to $135 depending on length, arrangement, delivery and where you shop.
The same bunch of roses bought at any other time would be $25 to $55 cheaper.
