Moth spraying extends to North Shore

9.00am

Aerial spraying over an extended area of metropolitan Auckland to eradicate the imported painted apple moth began today in favourable conditions.

The spraying, by three aircraft, started about 6.15am and included parts of the North Shore for the first time.

Operation spokesman Robert Isbister described conditions as "magnificent", with fine weather and relatively high humidity.

If the conditions remained the same, he said the spraying could be finished by early afternoon.

The spray area was extended by 1000ha to 9500ha after larvae were found in Hobsonville, northwest of Auckland, before Christmas.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is spraying about every three weeks, a period that matches the biology of the pest, with the next scheduled days being January 28 and February 16.

- NZPA

Herald feature: Environment