Biosecurity New Zealand is widening its trapping zone in Papatoetoe after today finding 3 more male Oriental fruit flies, says Biosecurity New Zealand commissioner north Mike Inglis.
“The finds in our traps, following last week’s detection of a single male fly in the suburb, is not unexpected and shows our enhanced surveillance and inspection is working,” says Mr Inglis. A biosecurity operation has been under way in the area and restrictions on the movement of fruit and vegetables in place since last Wednesday.
“At the moment we’ve found 4 single males in total, all of them in Papatoetoe, and there's no evidence of a breeding population. The key sign of that would be the detection of a mated female or larvae. We have been collecting fallen fruit from people’s backyards, which we will cut up and examine in our dedicated laboratory.
“We continue to bolster our network of traps in the controlled area to ensure good coverage near to each fly detection. The lures we use in the traps are very strong and attract the fly,” says Mr Inglis.
Today’s detections mean the restrictions on movement of fruit and vegetables have been extended. There are now 3 areas under Zone A restrictions, 200-metres around each fly detection. Zone B has also been extended to account for the location of the new detections.
Signs will be installed at every road entrance and exit to the newly extended controlled area, reminding people of the restrictions.
A detailed map of the controlled area and a full description of the new boundaries and movement controls is at the MPI fruitfly page. Remember – if in doubt, don't take it out.
Oriental fruit fly detection in 2026 in Papatoetoe, Auckland
“We have successfully eradicated fruit fly from New Zealand 15 times, so we have very strong and detailed operational plans to guide our work and that includes a comprehensive trapping and inspection programme.,” says Mr Inglis.
Residents in the area where movement restrictions are in place are being asked to put fruit and vegetable waste into bins provided by Biosecurity New Zealand. This is so the waste can be disposed of securely.
Every household in Zone A has, or will receive in the next couple of days, a biosecurity disposal bin. In Zone B, there are bins placed around the edge of the zone, primarily on major transport routes, with more within the zone. More bins will also be provided in Zone B over the coming days.
“Our people will be continuing their work on the ground, engaging with the local community and sharing information with residents in the newly extended controlled area,” says Mr Inglis.
“We are grateful for the support from the community and our sector partners to date, which is critical to successfully find and eradicate any further fruit flies that may be present in the area.”
Mr Inglis says the fruit fly poses no human health risk, but there would be an economic cost to the horticulture industry if it were allowed to establish here.
If you find larvae inside fruit, or believe you have seen a fruit fly, keep hold of it and call 0800 80 99 66.
