New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) claims it has responded 'urgently' to the detection of Queensland fruit fly in the city of Auckland.

The single male fly was found in a surveillance trap in the suburb of Mt Roskill on May 8, and was formally identified on May 9.

MPI deputy director general compliance and response Andrew Coleman, said the finding did not necessarily mean there was a full breeding population in the country.

"It is vital that we ascertain if the insect is a solitary find or if there is a wider population in Auckland," he said.

"This insect is an unwanted and notifiable organism that could have serious consequences for New Zealand’s horticultural industry.  It can damage a wide range of fruit and vegetables."

He said this is not the first time fruit flies have been spotted in New Zealand and on previous occassions the findings were isolated.

"Since 2006 the Ministry has intercepted species of fruit fly 53 times at the border, preventing a population from establishing here.

"Additionally, the Queensland fruit fly has been detected twice before in New Zealand – in Northland in 1995 and in Auckland in 1996.

"In both cases increased surveillance found no further sign of Queensland fruit fly and there were no breeding populations present."

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