Central Otago fruit growers are keeping a close eye on a Queensland fruit fly detection in Auckland but say the find so far poses no immediate threat to orchards in the region. 

Biosecurity New Zealand continues a significant response in the Mt Roskill suburb after a single male Queensland fruit fly was identified in a surveillance trap on January 7.  

No further flies have been detected since, but strict movement controls on fruit and vegetables remain in place. 

The pest, one of the world’s most damaging horticultural insects, can infest a wide range of fruit and vegetables and has the potential to trigger export restrictions if it became established in New Zealand. 

Biosecurity New Zealand commissioner north Mike Inglis said the response had ramped up quickly, with approximately 400 additional traps being laid within a 1,500-metre area of the original find. 

“It is likely the restrictions will be in place for at least the next four weeks,” he said. 

In Central Otago, growers are in the middle of harvest, juggling challenging weather challenges while watching developments in Auckland closely. 

Local orchardist and Summerfruit New Zealand chair Trudi Webb said the detection was firmly on growers’ radar, but there were encouraging signs so far. 

The Queensland fruit fly putting many Kiwi growers on edge. Image: Facebook/MPI

“With only one single male fly found, and no trade restrictions so far, that is really positive,” Trudi said. 

“For growers on the ground here it’s about watching and waiting to see how the response plays out.” 

She said the region’s growers were currently focused on getting fruit off trees after a difficult season of wind and rain. 

“Central Otago growers are heads down, bums up harvesting fruit right now,” she said.  

“It hasn’t been the kindest season so far in terms of weather…but that’s fruit growing and we just get on with it.

Trudi said the consequences of a fruit fly establishing in New Zealand would be severe for horticulture nationwide. 

“For fruit fly to establish in New Zealand would be devastating for the horticultural industry,” she said. 

Biosecurity New Zealand said there had been 14 previous fruit fly incursions in New Zealand, all of which had been successfully eradicated. 

Mike said that experience meant officials were following well-tested operational plans. 

“We know what it takes to get rid of fruit flies and getting everyone involved is essential to finding and eradicating these pests,” he said. 

Biosecurity New Zealand is working with Government Industry Agreement (GIA) partners, including Summerfruit New Zealand, to minimise any risk to growers and exporters. 

Trudi said biosecurity remained a top priority for the summerfruit sector. 

“We have constant threats these days,” she said.  

“That’s why Summerfruit New Zealand has signed up to GIA agreements like the fruit fly one, so responses can kick into action immediately when detections are found.” 

She said there was growing concern within the industry about how often fruit fly incursions occur.

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