There have been no new detections of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) or Oriental fruit fly (OFF); with surveillance, trapping, and public engagement continuing throughout Auckland suburbs.

Since a single male BMSB was found in a KVH-funded surveillance trap in Orakei in early February heightened surveillance has been in place.

There are currently nine traps installed close to the detection site - seven sticky traps and two panel traps. The extra traps and inspections will continue for another seven weeks. Biosecurity New Zealand’s national surveillance trapping system is also regularly checked to ensure early detection and rapid response to any potential threats.

Read more about the early detection and our industry surveillance programme here.

The response to the OFF detection in Papatoetoe is ongoing after a single male fly was found in a trap late February, followed by a further three male finds as a result of enhanced surveillance and inspection.

Movement restrictions are in place on fruit and vegetables in the area. Specialist teams work out of two mobile laboratories inspecting and testing fruit collected within the restriction zones – no further evidence of any flies has been found.

In addition, Biosecurity New Zealand has analysed recent import pathways for OFF host material entering nearby transitional facilities (approved sites used to receive, inspect, and treat goods until they are cleared) and no non-compliances have been identified, providing reassurance these sites are meeting strict biosecurity requirements. Read the latest on our dedicated response web page here.