Legal controls restricting the movement of fruit and vegetables have been imposed in Papatoetoe after a single male Oriental fruit fly was detected in the Auckland suburb.
Biosecurity New Zealand confirmed on Thursday the insect was found in one of its national surveillance traps placed in fruit trees in residential backyards. No other fruit flies have been detected in traps in the area.
Commissioner North Mike Inglis said the restrictions were a precautionary step while investigations continue.
“There are now legal controls in place that prohibit the movement of certain whole fruit and vegetables out of a specified controlled area around where the fruit fly was found.”
Zone A covers a 200-metre radius from the detection site and includes 501 properties. Within Zone A, whole fresh fruit and vegetables — except for leafy vegetables and soil-free root vegetables — cannot be moved outside the zone. The restriction applies to all produce, regardless of whether it was bought or homegrown.
Signs are being installed to notify residents of the restrictions and to mark the boundaries of the controlled zones. A detailed map and full description of the rules are available on the Ministry for Primary Industries’ website.
“Since 1996, we have successfully eradicated 15 fruit fly incursions in Auckland and Northland, with strong support from the community,” Inglis said.
“This means we have detailed operational plans to guide our work.
“We’re calling on the community’s help again with this latest find.”
He said the measures were designed to protect New Zealand’s horticultural sector and prevent the establishment of the pest.
Anyone who suspects they have found a fruit fly is urged to call the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Pest and Diseases Hotline on 0800 80 99 66