“This detection gave New Zealand’s commercial fruit and vegetable growers some of the scariest moments they’ve ever had to deal with,” HortNZ president, Julian Raine, said.   

Since the detection in February, MPI has re-evaluated and strengthened border protection systems, and introduced a border clearance levy to provide a fair and sustainable funding base for passenger processing.   

“These improvements have given a lot of confidence to our members,” Raine said.

He added that the local horticulture industry owes a deep debt of gratitude to the residents of the affected areas in Grey Lynn. “We can’t thank the residents, and the affected local retailers, enough for their concern and their vigilance. These people have spent almost the entire year remembering not to take fruit and vegetables out of their area. It has been a long commitment for them.”

HortNZ, Pipfruit New Zealand and Kiwifruit Vine Health will be presenting householders in the ‘Zone A’ containment area with a small ‘thank you’ gift before Christmas as a token of their appreciation.