Controls on the movement of fruit and vegetables in the Auckland suburb of Papatoetoe have been lifted after Biosecurity New Zealand found no further evidence of the Oriental fruit fly in the area.
Biosecurity New Zealand commissioner north, Mike Inglis says the decision to end the operation follows more than a month of intensive fruit fly trapping and inspections of hundreds of kilograms of fruit.
Mr Inglis thanked residents and businesses in the affected area for their support with the movement controls, keeping an eye out for fruit flies and safely disposing of fruit in provided bins.
“I can’t stress enough how vital this work has been to protect our horticultural sector. This particular insect pest is a significant threat to horticultural exports and home gardens,” he said.
Biosecurity New Zealand placed legal controls on the movement of fruit and vegetables in an area of Papatoetoe on 4 January after a single male Oriental fruit fly was identified from a national surveillance trap.
“No further adult fruit flies, eggs, larvae or pupae have been found,” says Mr Inglis.
“We are satisfied that with no further detections over six weeks, the Controlled Area Notice restrictions can be lifted, and response operations closed.”
The Biosecurity New Zealand signs and wheelie bins will be removed from the affected area in Papatoetoe over the next few days.
Mr Inglis says checking of Biosecurity New Zealand’s 7,800 fruit fly traps around the country, including some 200 traps in the Papatoetoe/Māngere area, will continue as normal.
“Our people will be out in the Papatoetoe community today, handing out flyers about the response closure and personally thanking residents and business owners for their contribution to the effort.
“I’d also like to acknowledge the good work of our people and our partners across the horticulture sector. By working together, and responding quickly, we have managed this situation well.”
Biosecurity Minister, Andrew Hoggard, applauded the efforts of the local community, the horticulture industry and Biosecurity New Zealand.
“Residents have worked with the movement restrictions and regular checking of traps in their gardens and we’re extremely grateful for their support,” said Mr Hoggard.
“This response has been vital to our success in keeping fruit fly out of New Zealand. It could not have happened without backing from the community and the horticultural sector.
“The discovery has highlighted the importance of a small country like New Zealand having a strong biosecurity system.
“I would especially like to thank Biosecurity New Zealand staff for their work to rapidly stand up a response while most of us were enjoying a Christmas holiday.
“Incursions of pests and diseases don’t take a break and that’s why our biosecurity system doesn’t either. The dedication of skilled staff is vital to protect New Zealand’s valuable agricultural and horticultural exports.”
