Govt inaction looks set to allow Guava Moth to remain

"The Government's inaction on funding an investigation into the Guava Moth is another example of its incompetent approach to biosecurity," National's Biosecurity spokesperson David Carter said today.

The fruit-eating Guava Moth was first discovered in Kaitaia a year ago. It has since spread to Kerikeri and Ahipara, while requests from citrus fruit growers for a jointly funded investigation into the threat it poses have been shoved aside.

"This moth is potentially a major threat to the New Zealand citrus industry.

"Jenny Dymock, an independent entomologist, has said that it is now probably too late to eradicate.

"Already this year we have seen the Varroa Bee Mite settle in New Zealand through Government indecision and inaction, and now it seems the Guava Moth is also set to call New Zealand home.

"This Government needs to wake up to biosecurity issues and start protecting our vulnerable economy," David Carter said.

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