Biosecurity New Zealand commissioner north Mike Inglis. Photo: RNZ / Maia Ingoe
Controls on the movement of fruit and vegetables in Auckland's Mount Roskill have been lifted after Biosecurity New Zealand announced no further evidence of Queensland fruit fly in the area.
The announcement comes after a six week intensive fruit fly trapping operation, and the inspection of more than 230kg of fruit.
Biosecurity New Zealand commissioner north Mike Inglis thanked the local community for their support during the operation, and said all restrictions could now be lifted.
"It wouldn't have been possible to get to this point without the support of the local community. Every person who has kept an eye out for fruit flies, complied with movement controls, and safely disposed of their fruit waste, has played an important role in protecting our horticultural sector.
"We are satisfied that with no further detections, the Controlled Area Notice restrictions can be lifted, and response operations closed."
The biosecurity wheelie bins in the area will also be removed.
While the operation has ended in Mount Roskill, Biosecurity New Zealand's routine nationwide surveillance continues, with a system of nearly 8000 fruit fly traps spread across the country. More than 4600 of these are in the Auckland area.
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