NZ Forest Owners Association
MEDIA RELEASE
Tuesday 21 March 2006
Forestry congratulates MAF on moth eradication
The NZ Forest Owners Association has thanked the government for being steadfast in its decision to eradicate painted
apple moth and the fall webworm.
“It was not an easy call for the government to continue costly and controversial spraying programmes. Forest owners
greatly appreciate the government’s resolve and the professionalism with which the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
went about its task,” says chief executive David Rhodes.
“Not only have two potentially serious pests been eradicated. We have also sent a message to our trading partners that
we are serious about keeping New Zealand free of exotic pests which would otherwise have serious implications for
trade.”
He says that if the two pests had become established in New Zealand it would have been financially serious for the
forest industry, which contributes more than $5 billion a year to the economy.
“The moths would also have had a dire impact on the country’s indigenous vegetation, horticulture, public parks and
private gardens.”
Mr Rhodes says effective biosecurity is vital for New Zealand’s economic future.
“We need to effectively manage imported pest risks and eradicate any incursions. It is reassuring that the government is
continuing to strengthen the country’s biosecurity resources and to make the hard calls when required.”
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