Oriental fruit fly detection in 2026 in Papatoetoe, Auckland

What's the situation?

Four Oriental fruit flies have been found in surveillance traps in Papatoetoe. Biosecurity New Zealand has responded swiftly, ramping up trapping and inspection.

Fruit fly lure traps are in place to determine if other flies are present in the area. A significant number of additional traps are being placed within a 1,500-metre area of the finds.

A Controlled Area Notice (CAN) is in place, restricting the movement of fruit and vegetables in the area.

We want to get rid of any potential population. Field teams are setting up additional fruit fly traps in the area of the new detections.

Why this fruit fly is a problem for New Zealand

If it established here, the Oriental fruit fly could have serious consequences for New Zealand’s horticultural industry. It can damage a wide range of fruit and vegetables and could lead to restrictions affecting our horticultural exports.

Controlled Area Notice (CAN) in force

The Auckland suburb of Papatoetoe is under a CAN, effective from 26 February 2026. This restricts the movement of certain whole fruits and vegetables out of the controlled area. These legal controls help prevent the spread of any other fruit flies.

There are 3 areas under Zone A restrictions. Zone B has also been extended to account for the location of the new detections.

Each Zone A covers a 200-metre area, including approximately 1,400 properties. The B Zone covers a 1,500-metre area, including approximately 14,500 properties.

Check if you are in the controlled area and which zone applies to you.

Controlled Area Notice [PDF, 838 KB]

Map

Map of Controlled Area Notice zones

If you live in Zone A

No whole fruit and vegetables (other than leafy or soil-free root vegetables and cooked, processed, preserved, dried, frozen and canned fruit) can be moved from Zone A of the controlled area.
Compost and green waste from gardens also cannot be moved out of this zone.
Residents in Zone A are asked to avoid composting fruit and vegetables. Separate fruit and vegetable waste from the rest of your household rubbish and dispose of it using a sink waste disposal unit if you have one or put it in the bins to be provided by Biosecurity New Zealand. Bins will be delivered shortly, and residents will be advised of their location. Your general rubbish can go out with your normal rubbish collection.
Also leave any homegrown fruit or vegetables that have fallen from trees or plants (windfall) on the ground in your garden. Biosecurity New Zealand inspectors may collect this material to check it for the presence of fruit fly. Waste from homegrown fruit and vegetables that have already been chopped up and is free of any bugs can be disposed of in the Biosecurity New Zealand bin. If you find eggs or larvae in home-grown produce, tie all the fruit or vegetable material inside a plastic bag and call Biosecurity New Zealand on 0800 80 99 66.

If you live in Zone B

No fruit and vegetables grown in Zone B can be moved out of the controlled area. You are free to move commercially purchased fruit and vegetables (for example, fruit and vegetables bought at the supermarket) out of the area.
Homegrown produce waste and garden waste need to be disposed of in Biosecurity New Zealand bins.

If in doubt, don't take it out.

About the Oriental fruit fly

The Oriental fruit fly is widespread in Africa and Asia. In Oceania, it is present in Christmas Island, Papua New Guinea, Palau, Hawaii, and Tahiti. However, it is not in Australia.

It can affect over 300 hosts, including apples, kiwifruit, citrus, and tomatoes. Adult flies lay eggs in fruit. The young stages (maggots) feed inside the fruit, causing it to rot and become unmarketable.

Adult flies: