Targeted aerial spraying against painted apple moth began at first light today. The helicopter took to the air at 6.10am
and has already finished the remaining small areas of the Avondale Peninsula and a section of Kelston, near Archibald
Park.
Although there is some cloud the weather forecast is for light winds and no rain which is perfect for the operation.
The suburbs of Kelston, Glendene and Te Atatu south are to be targeted today and the helicopter is now working on the
long axis between Te Atatu south and Glendene. If the wind doesn’t rise there’s a good chance of the first aerial
spraying operation being completed today.
The operation had to be abandoned yesterday morning after caution lights warned of a possible engine problem in the
helicopter. Engineers found a minor mechanical fault which activated the caution lights. They replaced the part, tested
the machine and gave it the all clear to fly again today.
Ends