Fruit Fly Discovery A Concern For Growers
07 January 2026, NZ: The discovery of a male Queensland fruit fly in Auckland will concern growers and exporters.
“We’re hopeful this is an isolated case and does not indicate an outbreak,” says Kate Scott, chief executive of Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).
“While the fruit fly poses no risk to human health, its establishment in New Zealand could have significant consequences for growers, exporters and the wider horticulture sector.
“The fruit fly damages a wide range of fruit and vegetables, including some of our most important export crops, but it also means New Zealand cannot export to some of our key markets if this pest takes hold.
“We support the ramping up of trapping and inspections and the legal restrictions on the movement of fruit and vegetables out of the area where the fruit fly was found.
“Protecting the horticulture sector from biosecurity threats like the fruit fly is critical to the country’s economy and reputation as a producer of high-quality produce.
“We urge everyone to follow the restrictions and co-operate with Biosecurity New Zealand to ensure this pest does not get established here.”
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