Source: Auckland Council
On 25 February 2026, Biosecurity New Zealand (MPI) announced the discovery of a single male Oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) in a surveillance trap in Papatoetoe.
In response, Biosecurity New Zealand has launched a biosecurity operation and is ramping up trapping and inspections in Papatoetoe. As a precautionary measure, legal restrictions on the movement of fruit and vegetables out of the area where the fruit fly has been found (a Controlled Area Notice or CAN) will be put in place.
It is important to know that the capture of a single male does not mean we have an outbreak. It does mean that the community needs to keep an eye out and report any sightings.
Biosecurity New Zealand has successfully eradicated 15 incursions of different fruit fly in Auckland and Northland – including a recent response in Mt Roskill to eradicate a Queensland fruit fly (unrelated to this find).
The fruit fly poses no human health risk, but there would be an economic cost to the horticulture industry if it were allowed to establish here.
Visit Biosecurity New Zealand’s website for the most up to date information on this response.
Changes to your kerbside collections
The affected area in Papatoetoe is divided into two zones, A and B, which have different restrictions. To check if you are in the controlled area and which zone applies to you visit Biosecurity New Zealand’s website.
These restrictions mean some changes to kerbside (particularly food scraps) collections in the area.
