Few complaints about spray drift

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has received very few complaints about spray drift as the kiwifruit industry undertakes its annual Hi-cane spray season.

Regional Council Pollution Prevention manager Bruce Gardner said that so far this season there had only been six complaints to the council’s Pollution Hotline, and messages to the industry about good spray practice appeared to have been heeded. Spraying on green kiwifruit vines is now well underway.

Hi-cane is sprayed on kiwifruit vines to promote bud break and ensure earlier and shorter flowering, and more flowers with fewer double and triple flowers which reduce fruit size. Spraying needs to be strictly controlled, and carried out in good weather conditions, or spray can drift over neighbouring properties.

The industry have been meeting growers and contractors regularly to explain best spray practice to reduce the number of complaints this season.

In Te Puna yellow warning cones are being trialled to warn passers by of spraying in the area, and about 40 honorary wardens provided by kiwifruit growers’ organisation NZKGI have been appointed and trained. Rural Post delivery people have also been trained to recognise and report spray drift.

Growers and spray contractors can be fined for allowing spray drift, or not notifying neighbours when they are spraying.

Mr Gardner said anyone concerned about spray drift should contact the Regional Council’s Pollution Hotline on 0800 73 83 93, or NZKGI’s hotline on 0800 232 505.

ENDS

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