Wednesday 12 November 2003

NO PAINTED APPLE MOTH SPRING AERIAL OPERATION
TOMORROW – THURSDAY 13 NOVEMBER

The current spring aerial operation against the painted apple moth will NOT resume tomorrow –Thursday 13 November. Forecast high winds and rain have caused the aerial operation to stay on hold until conditions improve.

Over 4,000 hectares in the spring 6,500-hectare zone were completed yesterday before high winds prevented further treatment. The remaining 2,400 hectares in the Hobsonville, Greenhithe and Beach Haven area and a loop in the two larger blocks in West Auckland will be treated as soon as weather permits.

Weather forecasts are being closely monitored and a decision as to whether the operation can resume on Friday, 14 November will be made tomorrow.

The public can call the free information line 0800 96 96 96 for status updates or listen to MoreFM (91.8FM) or Newstalk ZB (1080AM). People can also visit the resident’s page on-line at www.maf.govt.nz/paintedaplemoth to register for email or text message updates on the status of the aerial operation.

A map of the 6,500-hectare operation area and up-to-date information about the painted apple moth eradication programme is also available on the above website.

ENDS

© Scoop Media