Aerial Operation Over On Monday 17 February

The current aerial operation to wipe out the painted apple moth was completed at 1.30pm today (Monday 17 February).

Approximately 5,000 hectares were covered on Sunday 16 February before rising temperatures and unfavourable weather grounded the aircraft. The final 5,000 hectares were completed today between 6.30am and 1.30pm.

Weather permitting the next general 10,000-hectare operation is targeted for Wednesday 5 March.

In addition, targeted aerial operations will be carried out by helicopter on Tuesday 25 February, in 7 discreet areas where caterpillars have been detected. These operations will not spray directly over households but will treat unoccupied land within these areas.

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.

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