Nearly two weeks ago many New Zealand growers had a nervous wait – keep updated with the links in this press release!

A single male Oriental fruit fly was found in a surveillance trap in the Auckland suburb of Papatoetoe on 3 January 2025.

Biosecurity New Zealand has mounted an operation to determine whether there are more fruit flies.  (6 January 2025)

An area of Papatoetoe is under a Controlled Area Notice. This restricts the movement of certain fruits and vegetables out of the Controlled Area to help prevent the spread of any fruit flies if there are more out there.

Click here to see the Controlled Area.

Background

Oriental fruit fly can affect more than 300 hosts including apple, kiwifruit, citrus, and tomatoes. Adult flies lay eggs into fruit. The young stages (maggots) feed inside the fruit, causing it to rot and become unmarketable.

A population of Oriental fruit fly would cause control costs, production losses, and some countries might stop accepting our exported produce.

Stay up to date

Biosecurity New Zealand is leading the response and providing regular updates. Click here to go to Biosecurity New Zealand’s website for the most up to date information.

Trade/export related frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Biosecurity New Zealand has put together some FAQs in response to questions from exporters. Click here to access these.

Left: Oriental fruit fly with bright yellow markings. Image: Flickr .
Right: Female oriental fruit fly laying eggs in fruit. Image: Scott Bauer, USDA.

If you think you’ve found the fruit fly

• photograph it
• capture it (if you can)
• call 0800 80 99 66