Aerial Operation to Wipe Out Painted Apple Moth ON Today – Tuesday 30 September 2003.

The latest operation to wipe out painted apple moth will get underway soon after first light this morning – Tuesday 30 September, 2003.

Persistent wind and rain have lead to delays of nearly two weeks for the current aerial treatment. Improved weather conditions mean the operation can commence today and should be completed in half a day.

Today’s operation will be carried out across 5 small target areas covering a total of less than 900 hectares. The public can visit www.maf.govt.nz/paintedapplemoth to see a map of these winter target areas and for general information about the programme.

As it is the school holidays, the aircraft will continue the treatment throughout the morning, without stopping for children traveling to and from school and eating their lunch. People can also listen to More FM (91.8FM) or Newstalk ZB (1080AM) for status updates. Up-to-date information is also available on freephone 0800 96 96 96.