19 February 2002
With lift off at 6.30am, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is starting its target aerial spraying against the
painted apple moth in west Auckland right now.
The plan this morning is to target the Avondale Peninsula and a small coastral strip of Kelston then move to complete
the lower part of the Waikumete Cemetery. If this is achieved, the second operation of targeted aerial spraying will be
completed today. This plan could change if sea breezes increase because the area is exposed.
The targeted aerial spray zone of 560 hectares includes about 3,000 residential and industrial properties in the west
Auckland suburbs bordering the Whau River and its tributaries, the Avondale Peninsula, Waikumete Cemetery and Traherne
Island.