Decision Whether To Complete Aerial Operation On Tuesday Delayed
Plans to complete the current aerial operation against the painted apple moth today (Monday 13 January) were cancelled
due to unfavourable weather conditions. The latest aerial operation to wipe out the painted apple moth commenced around
5.50am on Tuesday 7 January and was suspended at 2.00pm due to rising wind.
The programme has been unable to complete the aerial operation due to unsuitable weather conditions. Improving forecasts
mean the operation may be able to be completed tomorrow (Tuesday 14 January) – weather permitting. The situation will be
reviewed before dawn tomorrow morning and a decision will be made whether or not to complete aerial operations across
the remaining 2,500 hectares.
The current operation covers the entire eradication zone and includes the “Hobsonville hotspot” that takes in small
parts of Beachaven and Greenhithe. Favourable weather conditions for most of last Tuesday allowed nearly 80% of the
target zone to be completed. The public can call the free phone 0800 96 96 96 for general information about the
programme. People can also listen to Newstalk ZB, 531 pi, AM 990 BC and Radio Korea 1386AM for updates.