Avondale market to reopen after Qld fruit fly scare

Fruit at the Avondale Markets. Photo / NZ Herald

Restrictions imposed in Auckland's Avondale area after the discovery of a single Queensland fruit fly will be lifted tomorrow morning.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) today confirmed all restrictions on the movements of fruit and vegetables in the area would be removed from 7am.

Andrew Coleman, MPI deputy director general, compliance and response said that after two weeks of trapping, fruit sampling and testing, there had been no no further sign of the Queensland fruit fly.

The ministry had imposed a 1.5 km-wide controlled area around where the single male Queensland fruit fly was found and residents were asked not to move whole fresh fruit or vegetables outside it.

Routine surveillance would continue, he said.

Horticulture New Zealand President Andrew Fenton said the community help was vital.

"The Queensland fruit fly is a major pest of a wide range of crops. Had this pest become established in New Zealand, it would have had serious consequences for our growers and the wider New Zealand economy. So we are very grateful for the community support," he said.