April 27, 2000
Applications to import and release two new tiny wasps to control pests in orchards will be heard by the Environmental Risk Management Authority in Wellington on May 9th. These are the first applications to release a new organism into the New Zealand environment since the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act came into effect in July 1998. Previous applications have been to import new organisms into containment only for trials and evaluation.
The Environmental Risk Management Authority is responsible for controlling the introduction of new organisms and genetically modified organisms into New Zealand and the importation and manufacture of hazardous substances.
The Hawkes Bay Pipfruit IFP Group wants to import the insect parasitoid Pseudaphycus maculipennis for the biological control of the obscure mealybug while the New Zealand Citrus Growers Incorporated wants to import the parasitoid wasp Thripobius semiluteus to control greenhouse thrips which cause damage to avocado and citrus orchards.
The two parasitoid wasps are about the size of a pin head lay eggs in their quarry eventually killing them.
The applications to import these biological control agents was publicly notified in January this year and a total of eight submissions were received.
Three support the applications, three oppose them and two of the submitters did not state that it wanted the Authority to make a specific decision. Only two submitters have indicated that they wish to speak at the hearing - the Department of Conservation and the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society, both of whom oppose the application. The other organisation opposed to the application, the Ngatiwai Trust Board of Whangarei did not wish to be present at the hearing.
Those in support of the applicants are the New Zealand Fruitgrowers Federation, Lincoln University and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Biosecurity Authority. Te Rananga o Nga Tahu and Landcare Research made submissions but have taken a neutral stance. The Environmental Risk Management Authority will hear both applications on Tuesday May 9th at its offices in Wellington commencing at 9am.
The hearing is expected to take most of the day after which the Authority will adjourn to makes its decision and this may take several weeks.
For further information contact:
Karen Cronin,
Communications Manager,
ERMA New Zealand
Ph:04 496 4826 or
Mobile:04 918 4826