Unveiling the Secrets of the Oriental Fruit Fly: A New Zealand Government Initiative

Why this poses a risk for New Zealand

The Oriental fruit fly can infest over 300 species including apples, kiwifruit, citrus, and tomatoes. An established population of the Oriental fruit fly may lead to increased control expenses, decreased yield, and several nations might cease to accept our exported goods.

What is the current status?

A solitary male Oriental fruit fly was detected in a surveillance trap located in a suburban backyard. So far, inspections of 187 other traps in the Papatoetoe/Māngere area have not revealed any exotic fruit flies.

Information about the Oriental fruit fly

The Oriental fruit fly is prevalent across Africa and Asia. In Oceania, it can be found on Christmas Island, Papua New Guinea, Palau, Hawaii, and Tahiti. Nevertheless, it is not found in Australia.

It can infest over 300 hosts including apples, kiwifruit, citrus, and tomatoes. Adult flies deposit eggs within the fruit. The juvenile stages (maggots) consume the fruit from the inside, resulting in decay and rendering it unsellable.

Characteristics of adult flies:

• are slightly larger than a housefly (6mm to 8mm in length)
• feature a dark “T” shaped marking on their abdomen (the section behind the waist)
• typically exhibit a bright yellow and orange abdomen (though color may vary)
• have transparent wings
• The thorax (located behind the head) is dark or nearly black, with two thin yellow stripes running parallel down each side
• The female fly possesses a pointed “sting” for laying eggs within the fruit (but is incapable of stinging or biting humans).

Larvae resemble white long-grain rice.

What actions you can take – remain alert

A significant commitment from all New Zealanders is essential to prevent fruit flies from entering.

If you suspect you have encountered this fruit fly or observed what seem like its maggots in fruit:

Papatoetoe/Mangere under a Controlled Area Notice (CAN)

A portion of Papatoetoe is currently under a Controlled Area Notice. This came into effect on 4 January. This regulation limits the movement of specific fruits and vegetables from the Controlled Area to help curb the spread of any fruit flies that may exist.

This zone is divided into two sections, A and B, each with distinct restrictions.

Zone A encompasses a 200-metre radius around the initial discovery. Zone B covers a radius of 1500 metres from the initial find.

Verify whether you are in the controlled area and determine which zone applies to your location.

Biosecurity New Zealand personnel will also be present in the area distributing information and placing signage indicating the restrictions. 

Maps

Controlled Area Notice (CAN) [PDF, 485 KB]

Map of Zones A and B – Satellite [PDF, 5.2 MB]

Map of Zones A and B – Traffic [PDF, 2.5 MB]

If you reside in Zone A

• No fruits and vegetables (except for leafy or soil-free root vegetables and cooked, processed, preserved, dried, frozen, and canned fruit) can be transported out of Zone A of the controlled area.  
• Garden compost and green waste cannot be removed from this zone.  
• Residents in Zone A are encouraged to refrain from composting fruits and vegetables. Separate fruit and vegetable waste from other household garbage and dispose of it using a sink waste disposal unit if available, or place it in the bins supplied by Biosecurity New Zealand. These bins will be delivered soon, and residents will be informed of their locations. Your regular rubbish can go out with the standard rubbish collection.
• Please also leave any home-grown fruits or vegetables that have fallen from trees or plants (windfall) on the ground in your yard. Biosecurity New Zealand inspectors may collect these materials to examine for the presence of fruit flies. Waste from home-grown fruits and vegetables that have been cut up and are bug-free can be discarded in the Biosecurity New Zealand bin. If you discover eggs or larvae in home-grown produce, secure all the fruit or vegetable material inside a plastic bag and contact Biosecurity New Zealand at 0800 80 99 66.

If you live in Zone B

• No fruits and vegetables grown in Zone B can be transported outside the controlled area. You may freely move commercially purchased fruits and vegetables (e.g., those bought at the supermarket) out of the area.
• Waste from home-grown produce and garden refuse must be discarded in Biosecurity New Zealand bins.

If unsure, do not take it out.

Press releases

4 January 2025: Auckland fruit fly investigation – restrictions on produce movements now enforced

3 January 2025: Biosecurity New Zealand investigating and enhancing trapping measures following Auckland fruit fly discovery

Discover more

Oriental fruit fly – essential information – Factsheet [PDF, 11 MB]