Biosecurity NZ has lifted fruit fly restrictions
Today Biosecurity NZ has lifted the fruit fly restrictions in Northcote and Birkenhead, after finding no evidence of the Queensland Fruit Fly for 6 months. The Controlled Area is now lifted and there are no longer restrictions on moving fruit, vegetables and green waste. The biosecurity wheelie bins that have dotted the neighbourhood will now be removed and road signs will be dismantled.
Thankyou to everyone who has been affected by the restrictions and intensive baiting that were in place for 11 months!
Over the period, a total of 10 male fruit flies were found, but fortunately there has been no evidence of a breeding population.
Some facts from Biosecurity NZ:
* There are more than 4,600 traps set in the greater Auckland area to find 3 different types of fruit flies (Queensland fruit fly, Mediterranean fruit fly, Oriental fruit flies). These remain in place and are part of a national fruit fly surveillance programme with over 7,800 traps nationwide.
* While the 10 adult male flies were found (the pheromone traps attract males), no evidence of larvae, pupae, eggs, or female flies was found.
* Approximately 160 people in the field and in Wellington were involved at any given time.
* Altogether, some 800 individual people were involved in the programme.
* 5,766 properties were in the Controlled Area and subject to movement controls on fresh produce and garden waste.
* 1.5 tonnes of fruit was collected from the area and inspected for fruit fly larvae over the response.
* Approximately 145 tonnes of produce was collected and disposed of throughout the operation.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
-
77.2% Yes
-
21.2% No
-
1.5% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Bokashi bucket composting workshop @ Glenfield Library
Don't miss Glenfield Library's Bokashi bucket composting workshop tomorrow, 2:00 - 3:30 PM. Make your own DIY Bokashi bucket to take home or surprise a loved one with a unique Christmas gift.
All participants get a discount voucher to use towards a composting system.
Register for the workshop via bit.ly...
This course is proudly supported by Auckland Council and delivered by the Compost Collective.
Loading…
