Biosecurity NZ has lifted fruit fly restrictions

John Gillon from John Gillon - Kaipatiki Local Board

Today Biosecurity NZ has lifted the fruit fly restrictions in Northcote and Birkenhead, after finding no evidence of the Queensland Fruit Fly for 6 months. The Controlled Area is now lifted and there are no longer restrictions on moving fruit, vegetables and green waste. The biosecurity wheelie bins that have dotted the neighbourhood will now be removed and road signs will be dismantled.
Thankyou to everyone who has been affected by the restrictions and intensive baiting that were in place for 11 months!
Over the period, a total of 10 male fruit flies were found, but fortunately there has been no evidence of a breeding population.

Some facts from Biosecurity NZ:
* There are more than 4,600 traps set in the greater Auckland area to find 3 different types of fruit flies (Queensland fruit fly, Mediterranean fruit fly, Oriental fruit flies). These remain in place and are part of a national fruit fly surveillance programme with over 7,800 traps nationwide.
* While the 10 adult male flies were found (the pheromone traps attract males), no evidence of larvae, pupae, eggs, or female flies was found.
* Approximately 160 people in the field and in Wellington were involved at any given time.
* Altogether, some 800 individual people were involved in the programme.
* 5,766 properties were in the Controlled Area and subject to movement controls on fresh produce and garden waste.
* 1.5 tonnes of fruit was collected from the area and inspected for fruit fly larvae over the response.
* Approximately 145 tonnes of produce was collected and disposed of throughout the operation.