No whole fresh fruit or vegetables, except leafy vegetables and soil-free root vegetables, whether bought or grown, can be moved outside zone A.

No fruit and vegetables grown in zone B can be moved outside the area.

Inglis said Biosecurity NZ staff had been laying 400 more traps within a 1500m area of the original find, while also sharing information with local households and the community.

“Legal controls are a critical precaution while we investigate whether further flies are present in the area. Should there be more out there, this will help prevent their spread.”

There are fears that, if the Queensland fruit fly were to become established in New Zealand, it could wreak havoc in the horticultural industry, including damaging fruit and vegetables and causing restrictions on exports.

“We recognise that, for people living in and around the controlled area, these restrictions can be inconvenient,” Inglis said.

“But they’re important, because following these directions protects our horticultural industries, home gardens, and our New Zealand way of life.

“It is likely the restrictions will be in place for at least the next four weeks.”

Anyone who wishes to report a suspected fruit fly is encouraged to call the Ministry for Primary Industries’ hotline on 0800 809966.