Oriental fruit fly, Papatoetoe

Situation summary

On 25 February 2026, a single male Oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) was identified from a surveillance trap in the Auckland suburb of Papatoetoe.

A large-scale biosecurity response followed to determine whether there were more fruit flies in the area and, if so, get rid of any population to protect the horticulture industry and home gardens.

This involved 5 weeks of trapping, with some 172 traps regularly inspected and windfall fruit from the area examined. While our investigations were underway, legal controls were placed on the movement of fruit and produce out of a controlled area in Papatoetoe to prevent the spread of any other fruit flies that may have been present.

Three further Oriental fruit flies were found on March 2, with testing showing they were genetically related to the original fly found on 25 February. Subsequent checks failed to uncover any further fruit flies, giving us confidence that there was no breeding population in the area. The movement controls were lifted, and the response closed.

Papatoetoe Controlled Area Notice (CAN) revoked

The Controlled Area Notice (CAN) enacted on 26 February 2026 restricted the movement of certain fruits and vegetables out of the controlled area to help prevent the spread of any fruit flies that may have been present.

This CAN was revoked (removed) on 30 March 2026.

Controlled Area Notice: Revocation Oriental Fruit Fly Auckland 2026 [PDF, 235 KB]

Why we don’t want Oriental fruit fly in New Zealand

In its native home, the Oriental fruit fly costs growers hundreds of millions of dollars a year in damage and pest control.

It has spread from Asia to many warmer countries throughout the world.

The adult fruit fly lays its eggs in fruit. When the maggots hatch, they eat the fruit, causing it to rot. The maggots eat over 300 different fruit and vegetables. The fruit fly's favourite hosts are apple, guava, mango, peach, and pear.