Ten fruit flies found in Auckland

A fruit fly warning sign on the corner of Sandringham Road and Royal Terrace. Photo / Brett Phibbs

A total of 10 Queensland fruit flies have now been caught in central Auckland.

In a statement released today, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) said two more fruit flies had been found since Friday, but officials remained confident they were dealing with a localised population that could be eradicated.

It said DNA testing on all flies to date showed genetic similarity, which meant it was most likely a localised population.

Meanwhile, MPI officers worked closely with Cricket World Cup organisers to mitigate any potential risks associated with Saturday's Cricket World Cup game between the Black Caps and Australia at Eden Park.

Eden Park is within the controlled area which meant those who attended Saturday's match were able to take fruit and vegetables into the stadium, but were unable to take any out.

MPI said 58 staff joined security staff at Eden Park throughout the game and helped remind cricket fans not to take fruit and vegetables outside the controlled area.

Last week MPI chief operations officer Andrew Coleman said the ministry was working with catering companies and sellers of fruit and vegetables at the match around "waste disposal".

This included destroying 10 tonnes of rubbish at Auckland Airport following the game, in an attempt to eradicate the fly, he said.

An established population of the Queensland fruit fly could devastate the country's lucrative horticulture industry and result in restrictions on our international exports.

MPI is restricting the movement of fresh fruit and vegetables in a controlled area around Grey Lynn and surrounding suburbs, and has also introduced tougher border restrictions in a bid to prevent further incursions.