Painted apple moth Media release

Saturday June 1 2002 11.30am

Twin attack on moth pest going well

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's sixth operation against the painted apple moth in parts of west Auckland has gone smoothly this morning despite winds rising in mid-morning. All areas in the target spray zone except the Waikumete Cemetery have been completed.

For the first time, two aircraft were used, a helicopter and fixed wing plane and the operation was finished in a much shorter timeframe. Spraying was delayed in the cemetery because a service is taking place but, if the rain holds off, MAF will try and complete this area this afternoon. A decision will be made after lunch.

The target spray zone of some 600 hectares affects about 3,000 properties and covers low-lying land alongside the north-western motorway, parts of Te Atatu, Glendene, Kelston, Waterview, the cemetery and the Avondale Peninsula.

ENDS

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