Friday 26 September 2003

NO TARGETED WINTER AERIAL OPERATION TOMORROW SATURDAY 27 SEPTEMBER OR SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2003

There will be NO targeted winter aerial operation against the painted apple moth for the next two days – Saturday 27 September and the following day Sunday 28 September. The operation has been delayed as high winds are forecast making conditions unsuitable for an aerial operation.

High winds and unsettled weather conditions have delayed the start of the targeted winter aerial operation planned since Tuesday last week Aerial operations are weather dependent and the current operation will go ahead as soon as weather permits. The situation will be closely monitored over the next 48 hours and a decision regarding the likelihood of the operation starting on Monday 29 September will be made as soon as possible.

During the winter months aerial operations are carried out in 5 small target areas covering a total area of less than 900 hectares. The public can visit www.maf.govt.nz/paintedapplemoth to see a map of the winter target areas and for general information about the programme.

People can listen to MoreFM (91.8FM) or Newstalk ZB (1080AM) for status updates. Updates and general information about the eradication programme are also available on free phone 0800 96 96 96.

ENDS

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