Situation summary
On 7 January 2026, a single male Queensland fruit fly (Bactrocera tryoni) was identified from a surveillance trap in Mt Roskill.
A large-scale biosecurity response followed to determine whether there were more fruit flies in the area, and if so, to get rid of any population to protect the horticulture industry and home gardens.
This involved 6 weeks of trapping, with over 350 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 Mt Roskill to prevent the spread of any other fruit flies that may have been present.
No further Queensland fruit flies were found over this period, giving us confidence that there was not a breeding population in the area. The movement controls were lifted, and the response closed on 20 February 2026.
Mt Roskill Controlled Area Notice (CAN) revoked
The Controlled Area Notice (CAN) enacted on 8 January 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This CAN was revoked (removed) on 20 February 2026.
Controlled Area Notice (CAN) revocation [PDF, 245 KB]
Why we don’t want Queensland fruit fly in New Zealand
In its native home, the Queensland fruit fly costs growers hundreds of millions of dollars a year in damage and pest control.
It has spread from Queensland to other parts of Australia, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, and the Pitcairn Islands.
The adult fly lays its eggs in fruit. When the maggots hatch, they eat the fruit, causing it to rot. The maggots eat over 200 different types of fruit and vegetables. Their favourites are guava, stonefruit, tomatoes, and mango.
How to identify the fly
Adult flies:
- are 6 mm to 8 mm long (a little larger than a housefly)
- are reddish-brown with distinct yellow markings
- have clear wings.
The female fly has a pointed 'sting' (its ovipositor) at the end of her body.
Pictures of some Queensland fruit fly lookalikes in New Zealand [PDF, 2.1 MB]
You can help by keeping vigilant
It requires a big effort from all New Zealanders to keep fruit flies out.
Check if you are in the controlled area, and if you are, follow the rules for your zone.
If you think you’ve found this fruit fly or seen what look like its maggots in fruit:
- photograph it
- capture it (if you can)
- call 0800 809 966.
