Monday 15 September 2003

NO TARGETED WINTER AERIAL OPERATION TOMORROW – TUESDAY 16 SEPTEMBER

There will be NO targeted winter aerial operation against the painted apple moth tomorrow – Tuesday 16 September 2003. The operation planned to take place tomorrow in the 5 winter target areas has been delayed due to forecast wind and rain.

Operations are weather dependent and treatment of the 5 winter target areas (less than 900-hectares) will commence on the first day that weather permits. The situation will be closely monitored over the next 24 hours and a decision, regarding an operation going ahead on Wednesday 17 September 2003, will be made tomorrow.

The public can call the free phone 0800 96 96 96 or visit www.maf.govt.nz/paintedapplemoth for general information about the programme and to see a map of the winter target areas. People can also listen to MoreFM (91.8FM) or NewstalkZB (1080AM) for status updates.