Thursday 3 July, 2003

Targeted Winter Aerial Operation On Today – Thursday 3 July.

The latest targeted winter aerial operation to wipe out the painted apple moth will get underway soon after first light this morning (Thursday 3 July, 2003). The operation was delayed yesterday due to unsettled weather.

Today’s operation will take place across five small winter target areas, covering a total of less than 900 hectares. The areas of Motions/Meloa Creek, Waikumete Cemetery, Ranui/Swanson, Riverpark and Hobsonville will be treated on a 21-28 day cycle during July, August and September.
If weather conditions are stable and the operation is able to be completed today, it is expected that, Waikumete Cemetery and Meola Creek will be treated from 7am, followed, after 9am, by Hobsonville, Ranui and Riverpark, with all spraying finished by 12 noon. There will be no spraying between 8am and 9am when most children travel to school.
For general enquiries about the programme the public can call: 0800 96 96 96
People can also listen to More FM (91.8FM) or Newstalk ZB (1080AM) for status updates.
To view a map of the winter target areas please visit: http://www.maf.govt.nz/biosecurity/pests-diseases/forests/painted-apple-moth/images/spray-zone-hi.jpg