24th April 2003

MAF Make Further Cuts To The Eradication Zone

A third cut by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, in under two months, shrinks the painted apple moth eradication zone by 37% percent from the earlier 10,300 hectare zone. This latest reduction takes the entire zone down by a further 1570 hectares to approximately 6,500 hectares.

These changes mean a substantial number of residents are now out of the aerial operation programme. A swathe of land through Avondale and Waterview has been removed along with tracts of land on the Te Atatu Peninsula. Both Heron Park and Rutherford, former infested sites that were treated by the helicopter, have also been removed from the zone.

Encouraging results over the summer have shown trap catch numbers drop from 996 in March 2002 to 9 in March this year.

Furthermore there have been zero catches in the last two weeks “This is a notable achievement”, says Robert Isbister, General Manager Painted Apple Moth Operations, “and one that gives all of us involved in the programme confidence that eradication will be achieved.”

“Residents have been extremely patient. We know the inconvenience of aerial operations has been trying and I’d like to thank everyone for playing their part in helping us to achieve such good results. It’s very pleasing to see the zone shrinking and to be in sight of our goal to rid New Zealand of every last Painted Apple Moth.”

Earlier this week Minister Sutton announced a further general aerial operation on Tuesday 13 May and a targeted helicopter operation on Tuesday 6 May in the Ranui/Swanson area. These dates will bring to a close the summer eradication phase. The additional operations are a necessary precautionary measure due to mild weather conditions in which Painted Apple Moth may breed.

For information about the newly reduced zone people can visit http://www.maf.govt.nz/biosecurity/pests-diseases/forests/painted-apple-moth/residents.htm and look at the zone map. Or call the Painted Apple Moth free phone on 0800 96 96 96.

ENDS