August 2, 2000
The Environmental Risk Management Authority will, next Thursday (August 10), hold a public hearing on an application to import for release into New Zealand a small mist gall fly to control a weed called mist flower or Agerarina riparia. The hearing will be held at ERMA New Zealand's offices in BP House in Wellington commencing at 9.30am and is expected to last most of the day.
The Auckland Regional Council (ARC) is applying to introduce and release the mist flower gall fly, Procecidochares alani (Steyskal) to combat the mist flower which it says is a serious plant pest in conservation areas in Northland and is becoming a problem in Auckland. The ARC says mist flower grows densely near streams and in the semi shade of forests where it forms a dense mat, limiting forest regeneration and is a threat to rare plants that grow in these areas.
They believe the gall fly, with a wing span of just 8mm will lay its eggs only in the mist flower plants and the larvae will feed on the stems of the plant reducing its growth, and thus allowing the native species to regenerate.
A total of 14 submissions relating to the application were received by ERMA New Zealand, of which ten support the proposal, two are against it and two have made no specific request to the Authority. Of the 14 submitters, two who are opposed to the application (the Ngatiwai Trust Board from Whangarei and Roger Shelton of Auckland) have asked to make a presentation to the Authority at the hearing. Two other submitters in support of the application (Northland Regional Council and Environment BOP) have also asked to appear at the hearing,
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
For further information contact:
|
Dr. Bas Walker |
Karen Cronin |