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 set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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10.5% Yes! New Year, New Me
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20.2% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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69.3% Nah - not for me
Witnesses sought in relation to mass disorder on K-Road Auckland
Police are appealing to the public for any footage they may have of the mass disorder that occurred on Karangahape Road in Auckland in the early hours of Sunday 28 December.
Emergency services were called to the disorder around 3.41am where it is estimated around over 50 people were present.
A Police investigation is underway after there were three serious assaults on and around Karangahape Road during the mass disorder.
A portal has been set up to allow the public to upload any footage they have of the disorder and the serious assaults.
The portal is https://dahr.nc3.govt.nz/
Police have arrested one person but are asking for help to identify and locate others involved.
• Around 4:15am there was a serious assault outside the Crown Bar on Queen Street.
A 33-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4647.
• Around 4:30am there was another serious assault on a Cobden Steet just off Karangahape Road.
A 27-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4462.
• Around 5am there was third serious assault at the Mobil Service Station on the corner or Karangahape Road and Ponsonby Road.
A 46-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
A 21-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He has been bailed to appear in court again on 16 January 2026.
The Police file number is 251228/4774.
Police would like to speak to anyone who has witnessed or filmed the assaults.
Witnesses can call Police directly on 105.
Please quote one of the above file numbers.
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
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