Forest owners support continued eradication programme

The Forest Owners' Association says the finding of painted apple moth larvae in Hobsonville is an obvious setback for the eradication programme.

But chief executive Rob McLagan praised MAF for detecting the new outbreak quickly and for moving decisively to deal with it.

"A great deal is resting on the successful outcome of the eradication programme, both for the country, for Auckland city, and for the forest industry," he said.

"The speed of the moth's spread should be a warning to all of us of the consequences of failing to control this pest. It is in the national interest to continue with the spray programme until the moth is eradicated.

"Failure to eradicate painted apple moth could affect New Zealand's trade in forest products. But its biggest immediate threat could be to indigenous forests where it would far more difficult to manage."

Mr McLagan said he was sure most Aucklanders were aware what a threat the moth posed to their gardens, parks and reserves.

"It could also cause enormous damage in the Waitakeres and elsewhere."

© Scoop Media