Next aerial operation against moth pest planned for Monday

For updates on the morning or the day of the aerial operation please call 0800 96 96 96.

The next aerial operation to wipe out the painted moth is scheduled to start on Monday 2 December 2002 – weather permitting.

Earlier this month a caterpillar-infested area was found in the Motions Creek of the Meola Basin. As a result the aerial zone has been extended by a further 500 hectares to include all of Point Chevalier and Westmere, bordering Grey Lynn and Ponsonby and a small part of Herne Bay.

The total aerial zone is now approximately 8,500 hectares and includes over 40,000 properties. Three aircraft will be used – a Fokker Friendship, a small, light plane and a helicopter.

The aerial operation will start at first light. The painted apple moth general manager operations Robert Isbister says the eradication 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.”

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

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