Reduced aerial spraying over winter

The Waitakere City Council has welcomed the news of a greatly reduced spraying campaign over the next several months but says it will continue to work on a range of issues surrounding the spray.

Councillor Penny Hulse, Chair of the Council’s Environmental Management Committee, says the reduced spray area is good news for a great many people but she wants MAF’s assurance people still in the spray zones will have their health concerns and complaints properly investigated and treated.

“This is welcome but not unexpected news. However, it does not answer many questions and concerns the Council has and the public have, over the way aerial spraying has been carried out, “Cr Hulse says.

“We intend to continue to work on those – and especially the health issues,” she says.

Agriculture and Forestry Minister Sutton announced yesterday that the spray area will be reduced to about 1,000 hectares and will not involve spraying by the large Fokker Friendship aircraft.

Aerial operations during June, July, August, and September include: Hobsonville - under 100 hectares; Riverpark - around 200 hectares; Ranui/Swanson and Waikumete Cemetery - approximately 250 hectares and; Motions/Meola Creek - 110 hectares.

Weather permitting; spraying should be completed in a single day. MAF says that with a 7am start and perfect conditions the operation could be completed by midday. There will be no spraying from 8am to 9am on school days. MAF is also endeavouring to have areas sprayed in a set order.

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