General Aerial Operation Suspended – Wednesday 2 April 2003

The general aerial operation to wipe out the painted apple moth, started at first light this morning, is now suspended due to rising winds.

Before being grounded at 10am this morning (Wednesday 2 April) the aircraft were able to treat approximately 4,000 hectares, almost 50%, of the total 8,100 hectare eradication zone.

Conditions are looking favourable for tomorrow, (Thursday 3 April) and the operation is expected to resume then or on the next day weather permits. The operation may take more than one day to complete.

Today’s operation, planned for the beginning of this week, was due to start on Monday 31 March but was delayed until this morning due to unfavourable forecasts and rainy, windy weather.

The current operation is the first to take place across the recently reduced eradication zone. Following two cuts last month the entire eradication area is now scaled down to 8,100 hectares.

The public can call the free phone 0800 96 96 96 or visit www.maf.govt.nz/painted-apple-moth for general information about the programme. People can also listen to Newstalk ZB (1080 AM), 531 pi (531 AM), Chinese Radio (990 AM) and Radio Korea (1386 AM) for updates.

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