This summer, New Zealand acted quickly in response to two detections of the Oriental Fruit Fly in Auckland, a serious threat to the country’s primary sector industries, backyard fruit growers and the wider economy. 

The first detection occurred on 3 January 2025 in Papatoetoe, South Auckland, where a single male Oriental Fruit Fly was found in a trap. An immediate biosecurity response was launched, which lasted until 13 February 2025. A second, unrelated male fly was found 30km away from the first fruit fly in Birkdale (Auckland North), on 20 February 2025. This discovery triggered a second response which is expected to conclude in April 2025, provided no further flies are discovered. 

Both responses were carried out under the Government Industry Agreement for Readiness and Response (GIA), a partnership where government and industry share decision-making and costs. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) led the responses, with eight horticultural sectors also contributing resources, including those representing kiwifruit, apples & pears, avocados, citrus, tomatoes, Fresh Vegetables, Citrus and Process Vegetables.  

Fortunately, only a single Oriental Fruit Fly was found at each site, with rapid response activities providing assurance that a breeding population had not established. This quick response highlighted the effectiveness of the GIA partnership and reinforced New Zealand's biosecurity preparedness. 

The Oriental Fruit Fly is a significant biosecurity risk, capable of affecting over 300 plant species. The flies can travel long distances to lay their eggs on fruit, causing severe damage. The larvae feed in the fruit, rendering it unmarketable.  Females usually lay batches of eggs just under the surface of fruit enabling larvae to feed and develop within. 

On 10 March 2025, members of the Fruit Fly Council visited the response operation to observe the daily work in action. The group saw fruit being collected and examined at MPI’s on-site laboratory, providing valuable insight into the vigilance required to manage biosecurity risks. 

The Fruit Fly Council thanked local communities in Papatoetoe and Birkdale for their cooperation and patience during the response, which was essential to its success.  

More information on the threat posed by fruit fly can be found on the MPI website: 

https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/exotic-pests-and-diseases-in-new-zealand/active-biosecurity-responses-to-pests-and-diseases/oriental-fruit-fly-birkdale/ 

and more information on the activities of the Fruit Fly Council can be found here -    

https://www.gia.org.nz/Activities/Fruit-Fly-Management