Just when it looked as if biosecurity authorities had good news from an $11 million fight against a moth pest in West Auckland, two new infestations have been found outside the target zone.
While the 700-odd traps set for painted apple moths have been virtually empty over thepast two weeks, up to 100 caterpillars were found in Swanson and New Lynn late last week.
Some were discovered crawling on an acacia tree in the carpark at the Lynmall Shopping Centre.
Biosecurity staff have begun intensive ground surveys in both areas to search for more caterpillars.
The infestations are outside the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's 600ha target zone where aerial insecticide spraying, aimed specifically at the moth's caterpillars, has been carried out since January.
The discoveries have put a dampener on what could have been good news for MAF because the traps were catching up to 900 moths a week at the height of summer.
MAF forest pest response manager Dr Davore Bejakovich said the low trap catch was the result of cold weather and the ministry was not claiming that the eradication programme was the reason.
"In winter time everything lies low. It's what we expect at this time of year."
A meeting of technical experts on the painted apple moth programme will be held this week. Their recommendations and those from the ministry will go to the Cabinet.
A decision on the future of the programme is expected early next month.
MAF has come under prolonged criticism for its handling of the painted apple moth incursion, not instigating aerial spraying until the moth had been here for more than two years.
The Australian native was discovered in Glendene in 1999 and is considered to be a $48 million threat to forestry and horticulture.
