A second Queensland fruit fly in the past week has been detected on Auckland's North Shore.
Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) says the solitary male fly was identified yesterday (February 20).
To manage the fruit fly that has been found, an area of Northcote has been placed under a Controlled Area Notice (CAN), effective from today.
The first was detected in a surveillance trap in Devonport on 14 February.
On Tuesday a facialis fruit fly, a different species to that of the Queensland fruit fly, was found in the South Auckland suburb of Otara.
MPI director general Ray Smith says while there have now been two finds, it does not mean New Zealand has an outbreak of fruit fly.
"We are totally focused on finding out if there is an incursion of the Queensland fruit fly in these areas. At the moment, these are two single males found quite some distance apart, and there’s no evidence of a breeding population.
"We have an absolute commitment to tracking down these unwanted pests and ensuring New Zealand is free of harmful fruit fly.
"As such, I have commissioned an independent assurance review of our air and cruise passenger pathways which will get underway next week. We want to ensure we have the best system possible."
Australian expert Rob Delane has been appointed to carry out that review.
Northcote Controlled Area
MPI says to manage the fruit fly that has been found, an area of Northcote has been placed under a Controlled Area Notice (CAN).
This is effective from today.
MPI says 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 than one.
The CAN is a legal notice and might affect you if you live in the area. A brochure with information about the fruit fly and controls will go to homes in the area this morning.
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