Horticulture New Zealand welcomes lifting of fruit fly movement controls

Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) has welcomed the lifting of movement controls on fruit and vegetables in Papatoetoe, Auckland, following the successful response to the detection of an Oriental fruit fly.

"The decision by Biosecurity New Zealand to end the controls operation is great news for growers," said Kate Scott, chief executive of HortNZ.

"We're pleased with the prompt action taken by Biosecurity New Zealand when the fruit fly was detected and appreciate the help and co-operation from residents and businesses of Papatoetoe to ensure fruit and vegetables were safely disposed of.

"The fruit fly poses a significant threat to New Zealand's fruit and vegetable industries. Growers' livelihoods rely on a strong, responsive system to protect their crops, orchards and market access."