Biosecurity authorities are promising West Aucklanders a spray-free Christmas as the campaign against aerial spraying steps up a gear.
Organiser of the No Spray over Auckland group, Sue Berman, said businesses were being encouraged to invoice the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry for the social and economic cost ofits aerial blitz against the painted apple moth.
Forms would soon be available on a website to send MAF accounts for days off work, sick days and other effects of spraying. Businesses should use their own invoice system, she said. "We're trying to give some real costings of the effect of this operation on people's lives."
Her group is also exploring legal action against the ministry.
MAF has issued a schedule of spray dates along with its promise not to aerial spray on Christmas or Boxing Day or from December 31 to January 2, inclusive, said painted apple moth project director Ian Gear.
Spraying was scheduled on November 11, December 2 and December 18.
