Spraying? Warn the neighbours

Unsafe or unnotified spraying should be reported to the regional council's 24/7 Pollution Hotline on 0800884883.

Kiwifruit spraying has begun and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council wants growers and neighbours to talk about it.

Senior pollution prevention officer John Morris said growers were usually compliant with spray rules but, in some areas, a little extra care was needed.

"The Regional Air Plan requires orchard owners or contractors to notify the neighbours of any adjoining properties within 50 metres at least 12 hours before spraying and no more than 20 days in advance."

This year the council had also encouraged growers and industry representatives to develop extra guidelines for spray timing and notification near schools and other sensitive public areas at Te Puna, in response to concerns raised by the local community there, Mr Morris said.

Hydrogen cyanamide, often known by the brand name Hi Cane, was sprayed on to vines to increase the number of fruit, promote bud break and encourage earlier, shorter flowering.

"Generally neighbours like to be notified about Hi Cane spraying so they can take extra precautions such as moving stock, keeping pets inside, or going elsewhere while the spray is being applied. Road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, also have a right to be warned," Mr Morris said.

The Regional Air Plan requires spray warning signs to be displayed on the road boundary of any affected orchard at least 24 hours before sprays are applied. Signs were to be removed by the applicator when the spray area is safe for re-entry.