New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has confirmed the country is now fruit fly free, with two weeks of trapping, fruit sampling and testing complete after one Queensland fruit fly was found in Auckland.

MPI says all restrictions on the movements of fruit and vegetables in Auckland’s Avondale area were to be removed on Saturday, MAy 26.

"I am delighted to say that our rigorous checks found no further sign of the Queensland fruit fly and New Zealand’s fruit fly free status is confirmed. There is no longer any need for residents in the area to be restricted in their movements," said MPI deputy director general of compliance and response Andrew Coleman.

"Along with the horticultural industry body Horticulture New Zealand, MPI would like to sincerely thank the wider Avondale community and the Auckland Council for the fantastic support throughout this operation."

Horticulture New Zealand President Andrew Fenton says the community help was vital.

"The Queensland fruit fly is a major pest of a wide range of crops. Had this pest become established in New Zealand, it would have had serious consequences for our growers and the wider New Zealand economy. So we are very grateful for the community support."

Coleman adds that MPI's routine fruit fly surveillance program will continue.

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Queensland fruit fly detected in New Zealand

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