General Aerial Operation Over – Thursday 3 April

The current general aerial operation to wipe out the painted apple moth is now OVER. The operation was completed before midday today (Thursday 3 April).

The operation commenced at first light this morning (Thursday 3 April) and favourable weather conditions enabled the aircraft to complete the remaining 50% of the 8,100 hectares eradication zone. Windy conditions yesterday (Wednesday 2 April) caused the operation to be suspended mid-morning.

Unstable weather patterns at the beginning of the week caused the start of the operation, planned for Monday 31st March, to be postponed until yesterday (Wednesday 2 April).

The next planned date for a general aerial operation is Tuesday 22 April - weather permitting. Targeted helicopter operations are planned for Tuesday 8 April and Tuesday 29 April; these take place in the seven discrete areas where caterpillars have been found.

The public can call the free phone 0800 96 96 96 or visit www.maf.govt.nz/painted-apple-moth for general information about the programme.

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