Historical emergencies

The potential threat for marine and beach areas has been CANCELLED following the 7.7m earthquake in the Solomons Islands at 6.38am NZ Time. We advise the public who intend to carry out activities in or on the water today, especially along the west coast of both the North and South Islands, that there could be strong and unusual currents for the rest of the day. Therefore, MCDEM advise people to stay out of the water.

There is no tsunami threat to New Zealand following the 7.2M earthquake off the coast of Central America at 7:44am NZ time (providing there is no significant change to the earthquake magnitude as assessments continue).

There is no tsunami threat to New Zealand following 7.3M Honshu Japan earthquake that occurred at 10:00am NZ time on 22 November 2016.

A M7.8 earthquake occurred northeast of Culverden at 00:02 NZDT on Monday 14 November 2016. Strong to severe shaking was felt throughout New Zealand. Following the earthquake, tsunami waves were detected on the New Zealand Tsunami Gauge Network. MCDEM issued tsunami warning messages via the National Warning System from 01:00 until 15:00 NZDT on 14 November 2016, at which time the warning was cancelled.

Minor eruptive volcanic activity has been observed at White Island (Whakaari). The Volcanic Alert Level is now raised to Level 3, from Level 1. The Aviation Colour Code is changed from Green to Orange. The current activity is minor. GNS Science have advised that they are unsure of the implications for visitor safety and will be issuing a further Volcanic Alert Bulletin later this afternoon (3 pm).

National Warning: Tsunami Threat   Issued 0558 hours 2 September 2016 The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) has issued a tsunami warning for East Coast of the North Island (including Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty) and Upper South Island. Confirmation has been received that a tsunami was generated at East Cape.  A wave height measuring 30cm was measured at East Cape a short time ago. The first tsunami activity has arrived.  Tsunami activity will continue for several hours and the threat must be regarded as real until this warning is cancelled. People in the above/ coastal areas should: 1. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities) 2. Stay off beaches and shore areas 3. Do not go sightseeing 4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends 5. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates 6. Follow instructions of local civil defence authorities  This warning will remain in effect until a cancellation message is issued by MCDEM.   Only messages issued by MCDEM represent the official warning status for New Zealand.  We note the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) has issued a Tsunami Information Statement for this event. PTWC messages do not represent the official warning status for New Zealand.     Local civil defence authorities will interpret this information for their areas and advise public action via local radio stations. MCDEM and scientific advisors are closely monitoring the situation to determine the severity of the threat to New Zealand.

National Warning: Tsunami Threat Issued 0558 hours 2 September 2016 The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) has issued a tsunami warning (MARINE and BEACH threat) for the North Coast of the North Island of New Zealand.   Confirmation has been received that a tsunami was generated at East Cape.  A wave height measuring 30cm was measured at East Cape a short time ago. The first tsunami activity has arrived.  Tsunami waves are expected to be observed for a couple of hours duration, based on current numerical simulations.  Waves are anticipated to be between 0.2-1m. People in the above/ coastal areas should: 1. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities) 2. Stay off beaches and shore areas 3. Do not go sightseeing 4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends 5. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates 6. Follow instructions of local civil defence authorities   

There has been a magnitude 7.1 earthquake 130 km north east of Te Araroa, at a depth of 55km, at 4.37am. Note that strong tsunami currents and surges are possible.  Please keep off beaches.  Listen to the radio / TV for updates.  

There has been a magnitude 7.1 earthquake 130 km north east of Te Araroa, at a depth of 55km, at 4.37am. Note that strong tsunami currents and surges are possible.  Please keep off beaches.  Listen to the radio / TV for updates.  

Issued 07:35 NZST 2 September 2016The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) has issued a tsunami warning (MARINE and BEACH threat) for the North Coast of the North Island of New Zealand including North Cape to Great Barrier Island and the Coromandel. Please Note: East Cape, Bay of Plenty and Gisborne have likely already experienced the maximum wave heights, these areas will still experience waves and currents

  Severe Wind Warning in place for the Bay of Plenty  Northwest winds are expected to strengthen overnight Saturday to Sunday. Winds may briefly reach severe gale with gusts of 120 km/h in exposed places from late Saturday night until dawn Sunday.  

Mt Ruapehu remains in a state of volcanic unrest. The temperature of the summit Crater Lake has declined slightly and is now 39 ºC, down from a high of 46 ºC. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2 (moderate to heightened unrest). The Aviation Colour Code is also unchanged at Yellow. GNS Science volcanologists continue to closely monitor Ruapehu through the GeoNet project. The Department of Conservation have issued a warning to climbers and trampers on Mt Ruapehu, not to enter the Summit Hazard Zone on the mountain until further notice.

A magnitude 7.3 earthquake in the Vanuatu Islands at 0733 NZ time poses no potential tsunami threat for New Zealand.

The Volcanic Alert level for White Island has been lowered from Level 2 to Level 1. The Aviation Colour Code remains Yellow. The level of volcanic unrest at White Island (Whakaari) has declined following the eruption on April 27. Both volcanic gas output and seismic activity have decreased. Visual observations from a flight on Friday and seismic observations confirm no further eruptive activity has occurred. Volcanic Alert Level 1 indicates minor volcanic unrest continues.

There is no Tsunami threat to NZ following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake off the coast of Ecuador today at 1159 NZST

A state of local emergency was declared for Franz Josef at 2:00am on 24 March 2016 as a result of the Waiho River flooding. Westland Civil Defence has issued a boil water notice for the whole of the Franz Josef town water supply area. This will stay in effect until further notice as a safety precaution. The town water supply is secure for the main town area and work is continuing to confirm the integrity of the supply to the wider Franz Josef area particularly to the north of the Town Centre. There is currently no unbooked overnight accommodation available in the greater Franz Josef area. There is a Red Cross Welfare Centre set up in the town and on standby if needed. All state highways north and south of Franz Josef are currently open and all booked accommodation will be honoured unless visitors are contacted by accommodation providers directly. The Civil Defence state of emergency will stay in place overnight and will be reviewed at 9.00am tomorrow morning (25 March 2016).

Canterbury Earthquake: No Tsunami Threat. See civildefence.govt.nz for more information.

Media release 14 February 2016 Christchurch Earthquake The National Crisis Management Centre has been stood down following its earlier activation to monitor today’s earthquake in Christchurch. Sarah Stuart-Black, Director, Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) says the response to this earthquake has been managed locally by Christchurch City Council. The National Crisis Management Centre was activated to monitor the situation and coordinate support across Government if it was required.

The MetService has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning which affects the following local government areas: AUCKLAND CITY, WAIKATO and FRANKLIN. At 01:45 pm, MetService weather radar detected severe thunderstorms near PUKEKOHE, DRURY, BOMBAY, ARARIMU, POKENO, MARAMARUA, MANGATAWHIRI and MERCER. These severe thunderstorms are moving towards the northnorthwest, and are expected to lie near PAPAKURA, HUNUA, MANUKAU, DRURY, ARARIMU, POKENO, MARAMARUA, BOMBAY, MANGATAWHIRI, MERCER and ARARIMU at 02:15 pm and near AUCKLAND, PAPAKURA, HOWICK, HUNUA, MANUKAU, SOUTH AUCKLAND, POKENO, HUNUA, DRURY, BOMBAY, MANGATAWHIRI, THE HUNUA RANGES and ARARIMU at 02:45 pm. These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by very heavy rain and large hail. Very heavy rain can cause surface and/or flash flooding about streams, gullies and urban areas, and make driving conditions extremely hazardous. Large hail can cause significant damage to crops, orchards, vines, glasshouses and vehicles, and make driving conditions hazardous. Where thunderstorms form, surface flooding is likely and localised flooding of streams. Small localised tornadoes can be associated with severe thunderstorms. If you have to travel drive to the conditions. If driving, be ready to slow down or stop if it is safe to do so. **During and after a thunderstorm** - Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows. - Avoid sheltering under trees if outside. - Beware of fallen trees and power lines. - Stay up to date with weather forecasts. - Report flooding to council on 09 301 0101. **Take the link below to find out what to do before a thunderstorm.**

The MetService has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning which affects the following local government areas: AUCKLAND CITY, WAIKATO and FRANKLIN. At 01:45 pm, MetService weather radar detected severe thunderstorms near PUKEKOHE, DRURY, BOMBAY, ARARIMU, POKENO, MARAMARUA, MANGATAWHIRI and MERCER. These severe thunderstorms are moving towards the northnorthwest, and are expected to lie near PAPAKURA, HUNUA, MANUKAU, DRURY, ARARIMU, POKENO, MARAMARUA, BOMBAY, MANGATAWHIRI, MERCER and ARARIMU at 02:15 pm and near AUCKLAND, PAPAKURA, HOWICK, HUNUA, MANUKAU, SOUTH AUCKLAND, POKENO, HUNUA, DRURY, BOMBAY, MANGATAWHIRI, THE HUNUA RANGES and ARARIMU at 02:45 pm. These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by very heavy rain and large hail. Very heavy rain can cause surface and/or flash flooding about streams, gullies and urban areas, and make driving conditions extremely hazardous. Large hail can cause significant damage to crops, orchards, vines, glasshouses and vehicles, and make driving conditions hazardous. Where thunderstorms form, surface flooding is likely and localised flooding of streams. Small localised tornadoes can be associated with severe thunderstorms. If you have to travel drive to the conditions. If driving, be ready to slow down or stop if it is safe to do so. **During and after a thunderstorm** - Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows. - Avoid sheltering under trees if outside. - Beware of fallen trees and power lines. - Stay up to date with weather forecasts. - Report flooding to council on 09 301 0101. **Take the link below to find out what to do before a thunderstorm.**

MetService have advised that there is a HIGH risk of severe thunderstorms which may form on mainland Auckland today. Some storms may impact Waiheke Island, the Hauraki Gulf and Great Barrier but these are not expected to be as intense. Auckland will start to see showers forming soon, and thunderstorms between 2pm and 5pm, some of these these thunderstorms are likely to become SEVERE and they have potential to deliver rainfall rates of 25 to 40mm/hr. Hail between 10 and 20mm is also possible. Where thunderstorms form, surface flooding is likely and localised flooding of streams, may occur. Small localised tornadoes can be associated with severe thunderstorms. If you have to travel drive to the conditions. If driving, be ready to slow down or stop if it is safe to do so. **During and after a thunderstorm** - Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows. - Avoid sheltering under trees if outside. - Beware of fallen trees and power lines. - Stay up to date with weather forecasts. - Report flooding to council on 09 301 0101. **Take the link below to find out what to do before a thunderstorm.**

MetService have advised that there is a HIGH risk of severe thunderstorms which may form in the extreme west and south of Auckland this evening. Some of these thunderstorms are likely to become SEVERE and they have potential to deliver rainfall rates of 25 to 40mm/hr. Hail between 10 and 20mm is also possible. Where thunderstorms form, surface flooding is likely and localised flooding of streams, may occur. Small localised tornadoes can be associated with severe thunderstorms. If you have to travel drive to the conditions. If driving, be ready to slow down or stop if it is safe to do so. **During and after a thunderstorm** - Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows. - Avoid sheltering under trees if outside. - Beware of fallen trees and power lines. - Stay up to date with weather forecasts. - Report flooding to council on 09 301 0101. **Take the link below to find out what to do before a thunderstorm.**

A severe thunderstorm watch is in place for the Eastern Bay of Plenty with  Whakatane, Ohope, Edgecumbe, Kawerau, Awkaponga, Matata and surrounding areas experiencing very heavy rainfall.  The metservice the ave advised that this should pass through quickly and have cleared by 10pm.

  This warning affects people in the following local government areas: WHAKATANE and TAUPO.   At 05:00 pm, MetService weather radar detected severe thunderstorms near TAUPO.   These severe thunderstorms are moving towards the east.   These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by torrential rain.   Torrential rain can cause surface and/or flash flooding about streams, gullies and urban areas, and make driving conditions extremely hazardous.   The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management advises that as storms approach you should: - Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows; - Avoid sheltering under trees, if outside; - Move cars under cover or away from trees; - Secure any loose objects around your property; - Check that drains and gutters are clear; - Be ready to slow down or stop, if driving. During and after the storm, you should also: - Beware of fallen trees and power lines; - Avoid streams and drains as you may be swept away in flash flooding.  

Update to Heavy Rain Warning for Bay Of Plenty Issued 09:00pm Monday 18 Jan 2016 Bay of Plenty west of Whakatane, including Rotorua A short period of intense heavy rain is expected early Tuesday morning. In the 6 to 9 hours from about 1am Tuesday expect 50 to 80mm to accumulate. Peak intensities 20 to 30mm per hour and thunderstorms possible.

AREA/S AFFECTED Bay of Plenty west of Whakatane, including Rotorua FORECAST A short period of intense heavy rain is expected early Tuesday morning. In the 6 hours from about 2am to 8am Tuesday expect 50 to 80mm to accumulate. Peak intensities 20 to 30mm per hour in possible thunderstorms. NEXT SEVERE WEATHER WARNING WILL BE ISSUED AT OR BEFORE 9:00 pm Monday 18-Jan-2016

MetService have advised that there is a risk of thunderstorms which may form in Auckland throughout the day. Where thunderstorms form heavy rain is likely with rainfall rates of up to 25 mm an hour expected there is moderate confidence that some of these may become severe with rainfall rates up to 45 mm an hour possible. Wind gusts this afternoon may also be strong with gusts of up to 90km possible. Such rainfall rates may last one to two hours and have the potential to cause flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas. Driving conditions may also become hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility during heavy rain. In some instances small tornadoes can form with severe thunderstorms, if these do occur they will only affect very localised areas. If you have to travel drive to the conditions. If driving, be ready to slow down or stop if it is safe to do so. **During and after a thunderstorm** - Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows. - Avoid sheltering under trees if outside. - Beware of fallen trees and power lines. - Stay up to date with weather forecasts. - Report flooding to council on 09 301 0101. **Take the link below to find out what to do before a thunderstorm.**

MetService have advised that there is a risk of thunderstorms which may form in Auckland throughout the day. Where thunderstorms form heavy rain is likely with rainfall rates of up to 25mm/hr expected. There is a moderate confidence that some of these may become severe with rainfall rates up to 45mm/hr possible. Wind gusts this afternoon may also be strong with gusts of greater than 110km/hr possible. Such rainfall rates may last one to two hours and have the potential to cause flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas. Driving conditions may also become hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility during heavy rain. In some instances small tornadoes can form with severe thunderstorms, if these do occur they will only affect very localised areas. If you have to travel drive to the conditions. If driving, be ready to slow down or stop if it is safe to do so. **During and after a thunderstorm** - Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows. - Avoid sheltering under trees if outside. - Beware of fallen trees and power lines. - Stay up to date with weather forecasts. - Report flooding to council on 09 301 0101. **Take the link below to find out what to do before a thunderstorm.**

MetService have advised that heavy rain is expected in Auckland from Friday morning through to Saturday evening. Areas north of Whangaparaoa Peninsula and Great Barrier Island should expect the most rain with between 100mm and 150mm possible. Rainfall rates between 25mm/hr and 35mm/hr are also possible. For Auckland, South of Whangaparaoa, including Waiheke Island, 50 to 80mm of rain is expected. Rainfall of this amount and intensity can cause flooding, especially about low-lying areas. People camping in low lying areas are urged to be very vigilant as streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Aucklanders are advised to exercise caution. A Severe Wind Watch is also in place as gusty easterly winds may cause powerlines and trees down to fall. Surface flooding may make driving difficult. If you have to travel drive to the conditions. **During and after a storm** - Stay up to date with weather forecasts. - Ensure you are aware of low lying areas that could flood rapidly - Report flooding to council.' - Ensure a torch, radio and spare batteries are to hand. **Take the link below to find out what to do before a storm.**

MetService have advised that heavy rain is expected to continue until 9am Sunday. From 9am Saturday another 60mm is expected to fall. Rainfall intensities of 15 to 20mm/hr is expected during Sunday morning and then the rainfall is expected to ease. Significant flooding is no longer expected with these accumulations and intensities. Surface flooding is likely across Auckland through to Sunday morning. Low lying north facing coastal roads may experience wave splash around the 2pm high tide this afternoon. Localised wind damage such as power lines and trees down are possible in exposed areas. The severe wind watch has been lifted. If you have to travel drive to the conditions. **During and after a storm** - Stay up to date with weather forecasts. - Ensure you are aware of low lying areas that could flood rapidly - Report flooding to council.' - Ensure a torch, radio and spare batteries are to hand. **Take the link below to find out what to do before a storm.**

National Tsunami Warning cancelled. Please exercise caution and discretion going into the water or out in small boats. The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management has cancelled the National Tsunami Warning (Marine and Beach Threat) issued yesterday after the earthquake near Chile. The National Warning no longer needs to be in place as the threat to New Zealand’s East Coast and Chatham Islands has largely passed. We expect that there may be some unusual water conditions for the next 24-36 hours and advise people to be cautious and use discretion before going into the water or going out in small board. We expect things to be back to normal within that 36 hour period.

MetService New Zealand issued a severe weather warning at 8.48am today, with heavy rain set to continue this morning for Waikato, Western Bay of Plenty and Western Nelson. Heavy rain about the Kaimai Range, Bay of Plenty west of Whakatane, and Waikato is expected to ease early this afternoon (Tuesday), although a further 90mm is still likely about the Kaimai Range and western Bay of Plenty this morning. Heavy rain should ease about western Nelson this afternoon, with a further 70 to 100mm expected about the ranges. This rainfall may cause slips, surface flooding, and cause rivers and streams to rise rapidly.

Heavy rain for Waikato and Western Bay of Plenty. A deep low lying west of the North Island is expected to move over the South Island early Wednesday. Associated fronts are expected to move across northern and central New Zealand Monday night and during Tuesday. These fronts are preceded by strong to gale easterly winds, with outbreaks of heavy rain expected about northern and central parts of the North Island and the upper South Island. A SEVERE WEATHER WATCH is also in force for many parts of northern and central New Zealand for this event.

Westland District Council has transitioned to a recovery phase. Council staff have a Recovery team in place monitoring the cleanup of the town centre and surrounding streets, and are liaising with affected property owners. If there are any concerns about your property or safety please contact Westland District Council on 0800 474 834 or visit www.westlanddc.govt.nz/flooding-update for more information.

Taranaki CDEM is in the recovery phase of the June 20-21 heavy rain and flooding event. The Taranaki CDEM Group continues to work alongside response and lifeline agencies to begin the recovery from the disaster, and the immediate and critical needs of households and communities affected by the flooding will be met for as long as necessary. Visit www.trc.govt.nz/Taranaki-Civil-Defence/ for more information.

Mayor Annette Main lifted the state of local emergency for the Wanganui District as at 12 noon Thursday, 2 July 2015. The emergency status had been in place since Saturday June 20, after the district experienced a massive amount of localised rainfall resulting in flooding. Information on the recovery efforts are available at www.wanganui.govt.nz.

Flooding and Severe Weather is affecting parts of the Wellington Region - Kapiti Coast, Wairarapa and Lower Hutt. See http://getprepared.org.nz/status for details.

Wind Storm at Mt Maunganui A patch of strong wind has impacted multiple properties in the Mt Maunganui area. Fire Service are responding and the Western Operating Area has activated to provide Welfare support if required.

Flooding and Severe Weather is affecting parts of the Wellington Region. While the worst of the weather may be over, transport to, within and from these parts is affected. For more information go to getprepared.nz/status

The situation on the Chatham Islands is generally improving with wild weather starting to ease as forecast. Ex-tropical cyclone Pam continues to move away to the south east of the Chatham Islands, and the MetService has now lifted its weather advisory for the Islands. However, winds and seas remain high. Combined waves of around 7 to 8 metres are still possible about southern coasts until late this afternoon and wave heights will only ease gradually this evening and during Friday. There is major damage to wharves at Kaingaroa and at Flower Pot (Pitt Island). Other damage on the Islands from Cycle Pam appears to be minor. Approximately 50 people south of Waitangi are without power for 2-3 days. The last remaining wildfire on the Islands remains contained. The declared state of local emergency will be reassessed this afternoon, with a view to terminating if no longer required.

A state of local emergency is still in place in the Chatham Islands. Cyclone Pam remains an intense extra-tropical low, but will gradually move southeast away from the Islands over the next 48 hours. The National Crisis Management Centre stood down at 8pm on Tuesday 17 March, however the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management is continuing to monitor the situation and will coordinate assistance.

The current weather situation in Buller has subsided and surface flooding is dropping. However, further heavy rainfall is forecast for the Buller in the early hours of tomorrow morning. Buller Civil Defence encourages residents to make provisions and to prepare themselves as much as possible.

Mayor Len Brown says Auckland Council is cooperating closely with Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) on its Queensland fruit fly operation in central Auckland. The council is making resources available to MPI to assist with the operation. Len Brown urges all residents in the affected zones, and people moving in and out of the zones, to be vigilant and follow MPI guidelines. **Ministry for Primary Industries confirms fourth fruit fly find in controlled area** The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has confirmed a fourth fruit fly in Grey Lynn and believes it to be part of the same localised population as previous detections. A single male Queensland fruit fly was found on Sunday (22 February) in a trap inside the existing Controlled Area. There are no changes to the Controlled Area as a result of the find at this stage, says MPI Chief Operations Officer, Andrew Coleman. "We have been expecting to find more flies, so the latest detection is no surprise, and confirms that the trapping systems continues to be successful." "The find was close to the original detections, so we believe the fly is likely to be part of the same population." MPI has so far trapped three male fruit flies. A single unmated female was located at a residential property on Friday. MPI and its response partners, including GIA signatories KVH and PipfruitNZ, have moved quickly to respond to the fruit fly threat. MPI currently has more than 180 staff working in the field on the response. The response involves the use of movement controls, traps, public awareness and treatment. Stricter controls continue to be applied at New Zealand’s borders. During the weekend, ground staff laid bait in Zone A of the Controlled Area. It expects to lay bait in the rest of the area today. Ground-based spraying has also been completed under the fruiting trees where positive finds have been made. "We continue to appreciate the outstanding public support we have received for our movement controls," says Mr Coleman. "We have every confidence that our measures will effectively eradicate this population." **Further background about the Controlled Area Notice** All whole fresh fruit and vegetables (except for leafy vegetables and root vegetables) cannot be moved outside of the wider Controlled Area. Within the wider Controlled Area there is a smaller central Zone A (which takes in a circle 200 metres out from the initial find), and whole fruit and vegetables cannot be moved outside of this Zone at all. Residents within Zone A are asked to dispose of all store-bought fruit and vegetable waste in the special disposal bins that have been provided by MPI. Zone A residents are asked to leave any home-grown fallen fruit on the ground in their garden for inspection by MPI. Do not put home-grown produce in your MPI disposal bin. Zone B residents can continue to dispose of all fruit and vegetables in the MPI disposal bins which are distributed at convenient locations around the area. Fruit and vegetables can continue to be purchased and transported from outside the Controlled Area into the Controlled Area.

Mayor Len Brown says Auckland Council is cooperating closely with Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) on its Queensland fruit fly operation in central Auckland. The council is making resources available to MPI to assist with the operation. Len Brown urges all residents in the affected zones, and people moving in and out of the zones, to be vigilant and follow MPI guidelines. **Ministry for Primary Industries confirms fourth fruit fly find in controlled area** The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has confirmed a fourth fruit fly in Grey Lynn and believes it to be part of the same localised population as previous detections. A single male Queensland fruit fly was found on Sunday (22 February) in a trap inside the existing Controlled Area. There are no changes to the Controlled Area as a result of the find at this stage, says MPI Chief Operations Officer, Andrew Coleman. "We have been expecting to find more flies, so the latest detection is no surprise, and confirms that the trapping systems continues to be successful." "The find was close to the original detections, so we believe the fly is likely to be part of the same population." MPI has so far trapped three male fruit flies. A single unmated female was located at a residential property on Friday. MPI and its response partners, including GIA signatories KVH and PipfruitNZ, have moved quickly to respond to the fruit fly threat. MPI currently has more than 180 staff working in the field on the response. The response involves the use of movement controls, traps, public awareness and treatment. Stricter controls continue to be applied at New Zealand’s borders. During the weekend, ground staff laid bait in Zone A of the Controlled Area. It expects to lay bait in the rest of the area today. Ground-based spraying has also been completed under the fruiting trees where positive finds have been made. "We continue to appreciate the outstanding public support we have received for our movement controls," says Mr Coleman. "We have every confidence that our measures will effectively eradicate this population." **Further background about the Controlled Area Notice** All whole fresh fruit and vegetables (except for leafy vegetables and root vegetables) cannot be moved outside of the wider Controlled Area. Within the wider Controlled Area there is a smaller central Zone A (which takes in a circle 200 metres out from the initial find), and whole fruit and vegetables cannot be moved outside of this Zone at all. Residents within Zone A are asked to dispose of all store-bought fruit and vegetable waste in the special disposal bins that have been provided by MPI. Zone A residents are asked to leave any home-grown fallen fruit on the ground in their garden for inspection by MPI. Do not put home-grown produce in your MPI disposal bin. Zone B residents can continue to dispose of all fruit and vegetables in the MPI disposal bins which are distributed at convenient locations around the area. Fruit and vegetables can continue to be purchased and transported from outside the Controlled Area into the Controlled Area.

The Ministry for Primary Industries is taking urgent action to eradicate the fruit fly population discovered in Auckland and is confident of success given the resources and expertise at its disposal. See more details below.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) confirms that an isolated population of the Queensland fruit fly has been found in the Auckland suburb of Grey Lynn.

Mayor Len Brown says Auckland Council is cooperating closely with MPI on its Queensland fruit fly operation in central Auckland. The council is making resources available to MPI to assist with the operation. Len Brown urges all residents in the affected zones, and people moving in and out of the zones, to be vigilant and follow MPI guidelines. The following is the latest information from MPI; Further fruit fly found in Auckland The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) confirms that an isolated population of the Queensland fruit fly has been found in the Auckland suburb of Grey Lynn. A resident of the higher-risk Zone A in the middle of the existing Controlled Area found a single fly in a lemon tree on his property, captured it and reported it to MPI. The fly was formally identified as a recently-emerged un-mated female adult fruit fly. This is the only fly that has been found, over and above the initial trapped fly found earlier this week. Chief Operations Officer Andrew Coleman says thanks must go to the resident who captured and reported the fly, allowing MPI to act swiftly to scope the problem. “Our investigators immediately visited the property concerned where they found lemons and plums containing Queensland fruit fly larvae,” Mr Coleman says. “In total, at close of operations last night, MPI confirmed that one fly, 39 larvae and one pupa had been found at the property.” The Ministry and its response partners, including GIA signatories KVH and PipfruitNZ, are now deploying significant resources to respond to this localised detection. “We have every confidence that treatment will quickly and effectively eradicate this population. We have successfully eradicated previous incursions of fruit fly – notably the Mediterranean fruit fly in Auckland in 1996.” Mr Coleman says initial treatment will involve placing bait in fruiting trees to attract and kill female fruit flies. The bait will be applied high up in trees and plants, away from children or pets. “A second line of treatment will involve some targeted ground-based spraying of areas under fruiting trees where positive finds have been made. This involves using an insecticide that is safe for use in residential areas and has been proven to do no harm to people or animals such as family pets or livestock. “No use of aerial spraying will be required,” Mr Coleman says. MPI advises members of the public that the existing controls on fruit and vegetable movements remain largely the same with the previously defined wider Controlled Area remaining the same. The only change is to the scale of the higher-risk Zone A which has been slightly extended. This will be communicated to the Auckland public as soon as possible. The instructions for residents inside the Controlled Area also remain the same – whole fresh fruit and vegetables (except for leafy vegetables and root vegetables) cannot be moved outside of the defined area. This is to ensure that fruit flies are not spread outside of the area. Detailed maps of the controlled area and a full description of the boundaries, and full information about the rules are at www.mpi.govt.nz An additional export restriction zone now extends for 3.5km from the location of the last detection. Produce susceptible to fruit fly grown within this zone cannot be exported. New Zealand markets for horticultural produce have been notified of the situation. Andrew Coleman says since Tuesday MPI has introduced more stringent risk assessment of all pathways (cargo, craft, mail and passengers) and heightened awareness by front line quarantine inspectors. This includes more international air passengers’ luggage now going through x-ray and implementing 100% passenger and luggage screening by an MPI Detector Dog at international airports. This could mean some minor inconvenience for inbound passengers, but is necessary given the risk to New Zealand. If it became established here, the Queensland fruit fly could have serious consequences for New Zealand’s horticultural industry. It can damage a wide range of fruit and vegetables and could lead to restrictions on trade in some of our horticultural exports. It can also have impacts on home gardens. Further background about the Controlled Area Notice: All whole fresh fruit and vegetables (except for leafy vegetables and root vegetables) cannot be moved outside of the wider Controlled Area. Within the wider Controlled Area there is a smaller central Zone A (which takes in a circle 200 metres out from the initial find), and whole fruit and vegetables cannot be moved outside of this Zone at all. Residents within Zone A are asked to dispose of all store-bought fruit and vegetable waste in the special disposal bins that have been provided by MPI. Zone A residents are asked to leave any home-grown fallen fruit on the ground in their garden for inspection by MPI. Do not put home-grown produce in your MPI disposal bin. Zone B residents can continue to dispose of all fruit and vegetables in the MPI disposal bins which are distributed at convenient locations around the area. Fruit and vegetables can continue to be purchased and transported from outside the Controlled Area into the Controlled Area.

As part of the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) surveillance programme, a single male Queensland fruit fly has been found in a trap in the Auckland suburb of Grey Lynn. MPI has placed controls on the movement of whole fresh fruit and vegetables within a specified 1.5 kilometre zone around Grey Lynn.

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING. ISSUED BY MetService AT 8:57pm 17-Dec-2014 URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST IN: Bay Of Plenty Rotorua, Gisborne, Nelson, Coromandel Peninsula HEAVY RAIN IN THE NORTHEAST OF THE NORTH ISLAND EASING OVERNIGHT, BUT FURTHER HEAVY RAIN FOR NORTHWEST NELSON UNTIL EARLY THURSDAY MORNING

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING. ISSUED BY MetService AT 6:14 pm 17-Dec-2014 Heavy rain for the northeast of the North Island and also northwest Nelson A moist northeasterly flow over the North Island today is bringing a period of heavy rain to the northeast of the North Island. The heaviest falls are expected about the Bay of Plenty and northern Gisborne, where a further 70 to 110mm could accumulate in a 6 to 9 hour period this evening and tonight, (this is on top of the rain which has already fallen during the day). Meanwhile, periods of heavy rain are expected to continue in northwest Nelson through to Thursday morning where a further 80mm could accumulate about the ranges. Heavy rain about the Coromandel Peninsula should ease early this evening, but another 20 to 40mm could accumulate there. People are advised that streams and rivers are likely to rise rapidly, and heavy rain could cause surface flooding, slips and make driving hazardous. HEAVY RAIN WARNING AREA/S AFFECTED Coromandel Peninsula FORECAST Heavy rain is expected to ease early this evening, but south of Whangamata another 20 to 40mm could accumulate between 6pm and 8pm. Peak intensities of around 20mm per hour are possible with thunderstorms. AREA/S AFFECTED Bay of Plenty west of Kawerau FORECAST Heavy rain is expected to ease this evening. In the 4 hours from 6pm to 10pm Wednesday, expect a further 40 to 80mm to accumulate on top of what has alreday fallen. Peak intensities of around 25mm per hour are possible with thunderstorms. AREA/S AFFECTED Remainder of Bay of Plenty (from Kawerau eastwards) and also Gisborne north of Ruatoria FORECAST Further heavy rain is expected this evening, then ease early Thursday morning. In the 8 hours from 6pm Wednesday to 2am Thursday, expect another 70 to 110mm to accumulate on top of what has already fallen. Peak intensities of around 25-30mm per hour are possible with thunderstorms.