Media Release

Thursday 21 November 2002

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The next aerial operation to wipe out the painted moth will be extended by approximately 500 hectares to include all of Point Chevalier and Westmere and a small part of Grey Lynn, Ponsonby and Herne Bay.

It also includes the Chamberlain Park golf course, a corner of the Zoo and MOTAT Transport Museum.

This extension has been decided following the discovery of infestations of painted apple moth caterpillars in mangroves in Motions Creek, Point Chevalier last week.

The next operation is scheduled for December 2 - weather permitting and will now total approximately 8,500 hectares and include over 40,000 properties.

Properties in the extended area will receive advice by letter. There will also be newspaper advertising.

Additional action to get on top of the recent Motions Creek infestation will include a targeted helicopter spray every seven days in the creek's mangroves near the reserve. This started today. "There are no private properties but neighbours were advised," says project general manager, Robert Isbister.

"The helicopter will fly just above the mangroves and we won't be spraying in strong winds."

Mr Isbister says, "although it's disappointing to find new infestations it's heartening to see that the trapping and surveying programme is working.

"Under Government's new programme we have the flexibility to hit 'hot spots' like this hard and fast before the pest has a chance to spread."

The painted apple moth eradication team finished the latest round of its extended operation on Friday 15 November. "We managed this despite pretty difficult weather conditions. The programme is on track. The number of male moths being trapped now is dramatically lower than at the same time last year. These are all encouraging indications," says Mr Isbister."

"Given this trend continuing we are optimistic we can achieve what we have been charged to do. We want residents in the aerial zone to know that we appreciate their support, that it's for a good cause and we are making good progress."

A formal review of operations is planned for early in the New Year.

Editor's note

The rest of the aerial zone (8000 hectares) covers Te Atatu South, Massey West, Ranui, Henderson North, Western Heights, McLaren Park, Oratia, Glen Eden West, Glen Eden, Sunnyvale, Henderson, Lincoln, Glendene, Kelston, Harbour View, Avondale, Waterview; parts of New Lynn, Mt Albert, Point Chevalier, Blockhouse Bay. Traherne Island and the north western motorway between Lincoln Road and Waterview ramps are also in the zone.

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