Read the June 2007 Truth New Zealand  newspaper article on the affects of Foray 48B spraying in New Zealand.
An account of action in New Zealand has been kept at the  Purple Pukeko Site.
Link to Auckland No Spray Web Site 

New Zealand citizens meet to form their own international

Excerpts from New Zealand News
(Compiled by Helen Wiseman-Dare at wasp@xtra.co.nz)

14 December 2007 - Greens call on Government to admit spray campaign errors

The Ombudsman’s report on Complaints Arising from Aerial Spraying is a damning indictment of the Government’s handling of the painted apple moth aerial spraying campaign, the Green Party says.

“The Government needs to admit its errors, apologise to the people of West Auckland who were adversely affected by the spraying campaign, and take on board all of the recommendations and findings of the report,” Health Spokesperson Sue Kedgley says.

“The report has far reaching implications and should be fully considered by the Health Select Committee and other Parliamentary bodies,” Ms Kedgley says.

“The Government needs to acknowledge that, contrary to their persistent denials, there were significant health effects on the affected population, and that it was wrong to refuse to disclose the contents of the pesticide they were spraying over the people of West Auckland and Hamilton.

“It was also wrong to use public relations’ spin and denial to try to justify a major programme like this. I agree with the Ombudsman’s report that it is uancceptable to tell the public that there are no long term health effects from the spray when long term health studies have never been carried out,” Ms Kedgley says.

“The Green Party also agrees wholeheartedly with the Ombudsman that people must be told what the ingredients of any pesticide used in aerial spraying are if the public will be exposed to them through Government spraying campaigns.

“Urgent amendments are needed to the Biosecurity Act to ensure that in any future biosecurity programme the Minister of Health oversees the health effects, not the Minister of Agriculture. It is also imperative that the law is amended to require that equal consideration is given to health issues as to biosecurity and ecological issues and that there is adequate public participation in the process, especially from the affected community.”

-- Sue Kedgley, MP, Green Party Health Spokesperson

December 12, 2007 - Ombudsman Slates Ministry of Health for failing to protect people from aerial spray

In a Report released by the Office of the Ombudsmen late last week, Ombudsman, Mel Smith states unequivocally that the aerial spray used in the Auckland and Hamilton pest incursions has not been proven “safe”, contrary to Government assurances about its safety to the affected populations.

In her statement on the release of the Report, Jane Schaverien the initiating complainant, said that Mr Smith’s Report vindicates the claims of the communities affected by aerial spraying with Foray 48B.  

“Mr Smith is in no doubt that people suffered harm from the spray. He states that: in the event of future spraying of human populations with pesticide the spraying agency must provide full and accurate information …about the contents of the spray. It should also unequivocally acknowledge that there may be harm caused to some people residing or present within the spray zone.” 

“This report has taken four and a half years to complete” says Ms Schaverien and notes that the findings and recommendations from the Office of the Ombudsmen are not easily ignored by the Government. “They will be pursued by the Office of the Ombudsmen under S22 of the Ombudsmen Act to ensure they are implemented.”

Ms Schaverien said that the Government will not find it as easy to discount the Ombudsman’s Report as they did the findings of the recently published Report of the People’s Inquiry into the same eradication campaign.

The Ombudsman cannot possibly be accused of bias, says Ms Schaverien and his Report substantially confirms the same conclusions reached by the People’s Inquiry.  She hopes that both reports will now be read and acted upon with the degree of urgency the Ombudsman expects.

Go here for a copy of the Ombudsman's Report.

Statement of Ms Jane Schaverien on the: Report of the Opinion of Ombudsman Mel Smith

On complaints Arising from Aerial Spraying of the Biological Insecticide Foray 48B on the Population of Parts of Auckland and Hamilton to Destroy Incursions of Painted Apple Moths, and Asian Gypsy Moths, Respectively During 2002 – 2004.

Ombudsman Mel Smith states unequivocally in his report that the spray Foray 48B (the spray used in Auckland and Hamilton against biosecurity incursions in 1996 and 2002-2004) has not been proven “safe” contrary to MAF, Ministry of Health, Cabinet, and backbenchers’ assurances to the affected populations.

Mr Smith is in no doubt that people suffered harm from the spray. He states that: [In the event of future spraying of human populations with pesticide] “the spraying agency must provide full and accurate information …about the contents of the spray. It should also unequivocally acknowledge that there may be harm caused to some people residing or present within the spray zone.”  Mr Smith’s report vindicates the claims of the communities affected by aerial spraying with Foray 48B and of their spokespeople.

Findings and recommendations from the Office of the Ombudsmen are not easily ignored by governments. They will be pursued by the Office of the Ombudsmen under S22 of the Ombudsmen Act to ensure they are implemented.

The key recommendations of this report, which should be implemented, are as follows:

1. Development of a fast track process for the Environment Court to ensure that in the event of a biosecurity incursion for which aerial spraying may be the preferred response, the needs of people and the views of the community, cannot be ignored or sidelined. Amendments to the relevant legislation are, Mr Smith says, to be implemented “as a matter of urgency”.
2. The Ministry of Health must not abdicate its responsibility under the Health Act 1956, allowing another government department to take responsibility for human health, as it did when allowing MAF to look after the health affects resulting from aerial spraying in Auckland and Hamilton. Mr Smith is critical of this type of interdepartmental arrangement. He recommends the appointment by the Ministry of Health of a senior official whose task it will be to look critically at all relevant human health implications, and to be prepared to express an independent viewpoint where there appears to be a conflict between the spray operation and the human health of those who may be affected.
3. Priority is to be given to appropriate research to establish the effects of aerial spraying with Foray 48B on human populations. This research may include the suggestions made by Simon Hales et al, in 2004, in the Wellington School of Medicine Assessment of Potential Health Impacts of Spraying for Painted Apple Moth in Auckland. Mr Smith illuminates, in his report, the lengths to which the Ministry of Health went to suppress this research when it indicated that the spray causes harm and that there is a need for further research to determine the extent and way in which that harm is caused.
4. “That the fullest information about the spray [Foray 48B] and its possible effects should be made available.” Mr Smith does not look benevolently on the government’s entry into an agreement with the manufacturer of the spray to keep the ingredients of the pesticide secret from people who may be affected by it.

It is hoped that future governments will refuse to enter into such agreements.

The report has taken four and a half years to complete. The delay is explained by Mr Smith as in large part due to his protracted negotiations with the US manufacturer of Foray 48B to permit the disclosure of the ingredients of the spray to an independent expert. Mr Smith considered this disclosure necessary to his investigation into the human health affects of the spray.

The report concurs with the findings of the Report of the People’s Inquiry (see  www.peoplesinquiry.co.nz/  ) recently published, but discounted by Minister for Biosecurity Jim Anderton and the Prime Minister in interviews following its publication. They will not be able to discount the Ombudsman’s finding so simply. The Minister for Biosecurity is expected under S22 of the Ombudsmen’s Act to implement Mr Smith’s recommendations.  Likewise the Ministry of Health has work to do. The Office of the Ombudsmen will be monitoring their progress.

[These are the reports of just one person in Hamilton. In general, anecdotal reports are given little credence by the scientific community, but such a large (and statistically significant) number of them have been made in New Zealand that they can't be ignored. A large number from Auckland have been compiled in a report (see the Auckland No Spray site above).]

Cecelia: Lives out of the area but visited 3 days after the spray. Mild asthma and headache.
Katrina: 8 yrs Eyes became inflamed and sore. She was unable to go to work for 2 days
Douglas: Young and physically fit. Rashes over legs and stomach. Never had a rash before.
Judith: Was on a full exercise programme, healthy and careful with diet. Since the spraying has been feeling worse and worse. Aching body (requiring panadol 3 hourly), runny red eyes, dark circles around eyes, runny nose, muscle soreness, lethargy, headaches and nausea. Cannot work. Feels devastated at loss of health, energy and lifestyle.
Lynley: Stayed in closed house with towels rolled up against door edges. Shortly after spraying her mouth and lips went numb.
Vicky: Daughter had severe reaction. Suffered anaphylactic shock, was unconscious for 8 minutes. Migraine for 3 days (first ever headache) blood nose. Own doctor is sure it is caused by the spray but MAF have denied and refused to allow relocation (outside the 2.5km range).
Assisted a Chinese student with visit to skin specialist. He has had a nasty rash over his body. This rash turned weepy and was very irritating. His exams were affected by his discomfort and inability to concentrate but he was given no consideration for this.
Nici: Felt squeamy the day of the spray. Felt vague that night. Sleepless. Numb tongue, tingly mouth. Feeling unwell. Phoned MAF and told it was nothing to do with the spray, must have some other health problem.
Linda: Pregnant. Lives outside of the spray zone in Hillcrest. Could taste and smell the spray. Has had constant headaches since the spray started.
Rachel: Was not concerned about the spray effects. Lives outside the spray zone. Was sprayed while visiting a fruit and vege shop in Te Rapa (which is supposed to be outside the spray zone) and 10 minutes later developed a headache. Throat felt peculiar and raspy. Mouth tingly and cheeks numb. Later in the afternoon tongue felt swollen. $ days later woke feeling nauseated with diarrhoea.
Janine: Has experienced sleeplessness and weepiness since the spray started.
Julie: 2 hours after the spray developed a severe headache, nausea and cough. Felling unwell and tired with a funny throat.
Anneli: Headache for 3 days. Sleeplessness.
Hilary: 20 fantails and all the bright eyes disappeared from his bush property immediately after the first spray.
Fern: Stays out of spray zone but had to drive through on spray day. Excema on arms and face, constant headaches. Trouble sleeping. Funny tummy. Sinus. Lips numb and tingly, nostrils stinging, sore eyes, nauseas, swollen eyelids. Doctor said it was an allergic reation. No health professionals available on the 0800. Rang hospital and was told to ring poisons centre.
David: Cutting lawns after spray. Got thorn in foot. Broke out in welts all over body and arms which lasted for 5 days.
Judy: Developed a numb mouth, hay fever and dermatitius which developed blisters. Her daughter had sneezing, stinging eyes and burning red skin.
Lucy: Developed asthma after visiting the zone.
Alan: 54 years old. Numbness around the mouth, nauseas. Horrible taste in mouth. Taking homeopathic remedy. The spray dried like milk on his black car. He called 0800 to complain about the spraying of Frankton market and received a rude reception.
Olivia: 27 years , husband and 3 children 18mth, 3yrs, 5yrs. All suffered headaches, nausea, sore throats, coughing, bleeding around the mouth, stomach pains, loss of concentration. Children not eating and sleeping. All have severe allergies. Husband had breathing dificulties. Their own Doctor (and her husband who is also a doctor ) have had spray related symptoms too. They agreed it was spray related and rang MAF and were told "would not accept a connection".
Raymond: Nausea, coughing, lethargy, lack of concentration, constant headache, burning eyes, full body sweats, drained of energy. Has missed a lot of his pilot course and failed one exam as a result of these symptoms. Daughter 1yr has developed a skin rash.
Steve: 52 years. Gets relocated as he suffered a anaphlylactic attack after the first spray. 2 days after spray touched car that had been sprayed and walked in wet grass. Developed severe pain and aches in lower torso requiring regular panadol. MAF doctor told him to wash everything down (he has a 2 story house)
Rachel: 33yrs. Was bedridden with severe headache that developed within 5 mins of returning to spray zone at 5pm in afternoon. 3year daughter developed headache. 5 days after spray developed sore burning throat after trimming trees that had been sprayed.
Mark: Could smell spray around Hamilton Lake 4 days after spray. 3 month old baby developed fevers and was unsettled and unwell. Many mothers at playgroup are discussing problems.
Terry: 53 yrs Workd in spray area. Felt nauseas all day with headache. Spray residue on car was so thick could not see out the waterblasted screen and next day could still see spray residue.
Wilhem: Was sprayed while out jogging. Developed burning irritated skin, headache, sinus, upper respiratory irritation and flu like symptoms in head. Headache lasted for 2 days. Unusual symptoms for him.
Colleen: 62yrs Stays out of spray zone for the day. When returned in late afternoon developed numb tingly mouth and lips and red burning face.
Genevieve: Developed cough that lasted a week, excema over eyelids and itchy rash on abdomen and legs that lasted 7 weeks.

11 Million Aerial Spraying Campaign Approved for Hamilton This Week
Spraying could happen from daybreak to evening every 5-7 days from the week of October 6, with hourly radio bulletins updating residents. At least one school is planning to bus pupils out on spray day. MAF has told the Waikato Times to submit its questions on the likely health effects from the spraying via the Official Information Act. MAF is mounting a huge information (propaganda) campaign including a 27 page booklet to all residents, plus newspaper advertising and an 8 minute video for schools.

At a meeting for health professionals at the Waikato Hospital this week, Francesca Kelly and Ian Gear told it like it wasn't, after first evicting Hana Blackmore, the press and all members of the public. Those present were told that the Waikato District Health Board supported the aerial spraying and therefore any other views from doctors etc were not allowed to be aired.

A mass trapping programme is to follow spraying -  in satellite towns and forestry areas around the North Island.  2,000 traps will be laid 50m apart around the Higgins Rd site. Shane Ardern (National MP) was quoted on the spraying as follows: "I am totally in favour of it. The sooner the better, the heavier the better."  Pity he did not get a jail sentence for driving up the steps of Parliament in that tractor.

The Hamilton anti spray group have formed a new group called "WATCH" - Waikato Against Toxic & Chemical Hazards.  They are holding another Public Meeting - Tuesday, 16th September, Ground Floor, Reception Lounge, City Council Building, Hamilton, 7pm - 9pm, All Welcome.  They will continue to push for the spraying to be stopped and alternatives undertaken first, and they want to share
information regarding the spray programme.  See a map of the Hamilton spray zone on  http://www.stopthespray.co.nz

DEATHS
Sue Muller, anti spray campaigner, homoeopath and teacher, in June this year. Sue had a liver condition that pre-dated the spraying but was in a stable condition. As soon as the spraying started in her area she became ill again very quickly. She was forced to battle Aer Aqua for acknowledgement of her circumstances and lodged a complaint with the Health and Disability Commissioner about the lack of medical attention from Aer Aqua doctors. There was no doubt in her mind and that of others who knew her that the spray was the cause of her deteriorating health. Ironically there is a chapter about her approach to treating pesticide poisoning with homeopathy in Meriel Watts' book "The Poisoning of New Zealand". Her contribution to the teaching of homoeopathic medicine and to the anti spray campaign was much valued.

Various residents of the spray zone - this year of cancer, which has come on particularly suddenly in previously fit, healthy people. Some streets have numbers of residents of all ages suffering from cancer. One street alone has 6 cases. I would suggest that Aer Aqua are fully aware of this as one particular doctor's eyes welled up with tears when told of this by one of the street's residents. An ethical dilemma indeed! One of the Health shops in Glen Eden has also reported a rise in people coming in with cancer.

All the animals, birds and insects - the beloved pets, the goldfish, the parrots, the deformed baby birds dropping out of nests, the dead and dying wetas, crickets, praying mantises, butterflies, the sick hedgehogs and the missing bees and dawn chorus.

MORE THAN JUST A COINCIDENCE ?
The Two White Rhinos which died recently at the zoo after the herd became ill with bacterial poisoning.   Female rhino Mazithi and her daughter, Mbili, died last week from a soil bacterium infection. The death toll at the zoo this year now numbers four, including a giraffe and a baby ape which died in April. When spraying first began over the zoo last year, we've been told a number of the zoo's birds died.

Paul Holmes - filming earlier this year on the spraying for the Holmes programme took place in the Waikumete cemetery - site of the most intensive spraying.  During the mainly satirical programme Holmes was observed to touch the recently sprayed vegetation then put his hand to his face.  Not long after he was reported as lying in his hospital bed "terrified he was about to die". He had two procedures to clear blood clots blocking his urinary tract. Those with compromised immune systems (as cancer treatment would leave a person with) are considered to be particularly at risk of health effects from the spray.

Harry the Trainman - Spray zone resident - died in North Shore Hospital from a lung infection and emphysema earlier this year.

JUST A FEW OF OUR SPRAY VICTIMS
Bill - our long time anti spray campaigner. Along with his wife Elena, never missed a protest even though suffering health effects from the spray. Previously fit and healthy, Bill's health began a steady decline after exposure to the spray. He has now been diagnosed with Motor Neurone disease which has affected the muscles of his throat. He is unable to talk and has difficulty swallowing and also has gastrointestinal effects. He must communicate by writing on a small whiteboard. He now needs a walker and recently needed to spend several weeks in a resthome, but is back home again for the meantime. His wife Elena has also suffered health effects including severe headaches and tiredness. Life was very difficult for her while Bill was in the resthome. His symptoms get worse after each spray.

Our thoughts go out to Bill and Elena and also to others we have heard of suffering from Motor Neurone disease and ME which came on after their exposure to the spray.

All those evacuees suffering severe bladder, kidney and bowel problems. There has been a large increase in kidney problems in Auckland and new dialysis units are being opened including one at Waitakere Hospital.

Rebecca - after spraying first began Rebecca miscarried a previously healthy baby but has since successfully given birth after taking stringent precautions to avoid the spray. Since her other child started attending a playschool near the heavily sprayed cemetery the child has suffered from ear infections, rashes and tonsillitis - as have other childen there.

All those hospitalised with severe respiratory, eye problems and skin rashes after exposure to the spray.

All the children whose doctors at Starship refused to accept that the spray was causing the children's symptoms after extensive testing had ruled out everything else.

Phyllis - who had a stroke a fortnight after getting caught in the spray and suffering a lot of illness. She keeps parrots and has had 32 die after spraying including 3 baby parrots that died the day after a spray. She had previously reported illness in her parrots including their heads swelling up after exposure to the spray.

Andrew - has had to battle for evacuation. Previously an under control asthmatic - now has a reduced immune system, suffers frightening levels of asthma and has had to buy his own nebuliser. Has lost his job due to being unable to work in the spray zone and is finding it very difficult to find another. They may lose their house. During the east Auckland spraying he lost one of his twins born prematurely. Both his other children now suffer spray related health effects. He says the family are forced to live out of a suitcase, have no life and no future.

All the evacuees including the four families in one street in the Swanson hotspot.
All those who've had to fight tooth and nail to continue to be evacuated and all those who are now being denied evacuation.
All those evacuees and their children who get sick after they arrive back home after each spray due to the spray residue in their houses.
All those who have been forced to sell up (frequently at a loss) and move out of the spray zone leaving behind family, friends, jobs, their children's schools and friends.
All those who can't afford to move out of the spray zone - who are forced to stay and get sick after each spray.
All those formerly healthy, productive members of society who are now on sickness benefits, unable to earn a living due to the severity of their spray related health effects.

May 24, 2003-Excerpts from New Zealand News
[For more news or to get on the mailing list see the Auckland No Spray link above]

MAF is now considering aerially spraying an area larger than the west Auckland spray zone for the Gum Leaf Skeletoniser moth. Suburbs involved stretch from Onehunga to Manukau and include East Tamaki, Mangere and the Airport.

Extensive destruction of eucalyptus trees (the moth's favourite food) is already being carried out by MAF in south Auckland suburbs. MAF has said that the moth could be wiped out with "only" a year of aerial spraying which it  considers to be the most effective means of eradication. MAF is also considering importing parasites from Australia. This and other non toxic alternatives to aerial spraying should be the methods of first resort rather than, as in the saga of the Painted Apple Moth - the last resort, said Helen Wiseman-Dare of West Aucklanders Against Aerial Spraying.  She said that, as the moth had already been here for at least two years and is now being found in over 40 sites this suggested it was already too late to achieve eradication.

She called on south Aucklanders today to make their concerns known to their local city councillors and arge numbers of west Aucklanders. Many west Aucklanders have sold up and relocated to south Auckland to avoid the spray and many are evacuated there on spray day. If spraying takes place in south Auckland they will have nowhere to go.

She also noted that much of Auckland's food supply comes from growers and manufacturing companies in south Auckland including many organic growers who, if overseas experience was anything to go by, risked losing their organic certification when aerially sprayed with Foray 48B.

March 7, 2003-Excerpts from New Zealand News
A warm welcome to all the new spray sufferers who have joined us from the North Shore areas now being sprayed. I've had many calls from these areas. There appears to be a large increase in those suffering from severe skin rashes.  We have heard that the spray formulation has recently been changed which might account for this. In response to a question asked in Parliament by Ian Ewen-Street (Green Party), Jim Sutton replied that 14,000 litres of this new formulation was used during the last aerial spray in February.  People need to be very careful when gardening in particular - use gloves and make sure you are covered up. The spray residue on vegetation is causing many problems. You may also want to wear a spray mask (available from Mitre 10) to avoid breathing it in. The next aerial spray is scheduled for Monday 10 March. Don't forget to keep your pets inside and close all windows and air vents in your car.

You may have seen MAF's latest full page propaganda advertisement in the local papers and Herald about "The good news" that the spray operation is going so well. Watch out for our version which will soon appear on the No Spray (NZ) website. You may have heard that MAF are reducing the spray zone. In reality all this means is that they are cutting a few streets off the edges of the zone in a couple of suburbs BUT they are adding a whole new area in Ranui where they have found yet another infestation.

Moths have also been found recently near West Harbour Marina and at Paremoremo. I predict an expansion of the spray zone northwards in the near future. After over a year of spraying moths are still being found in the Cemetery and other areas.

Re health effects from the spraying - one of the evacuees was told by one of the MAF doctors in December last year that 4,000 were being evacuated to motels overnight. Compare this with the low numbers quoted by MAF in their propaganda ads.

Phone Aer Aqua on 358 3206,  and demand to be evacuated.  They are trying to cut costs by denying relocation to those currently being evacuated.  Tell them that just one of MAF's full page propaganda ads in the Herald would pay for more than 200 people to be evacuated for one night.  This is how much they cost: In a week day Herald:  $ 20,930.40 + GST.  In Saturday's Herald:  $ 23,873.40 + GST Just imagine what those TV ads cost. Now you know what the $90 million is being spent on.

Health Report
For those of you who missed the recent public meeting in New Lynn where Hana Blackmore's Report on health effects from the aerial spray programme was publicly released - you can download a copy from the No Spray website. Hana has compiled her excellent report from all the Health and Incident reporting forms you have sent in. It details all the adverse health effects being suffered by the community from the spraying. She is still collecting reports of health effects (in both people and animals) so to have your health effects counted (rather than just swept under the carpet by MAF) download a Health Reporting form from the No Spray Website and post it in. Print out some copies to give to all those you come across also suffering health effects.

Have you told Helen Clark lately that you are thinking of her?
Next spray day when you get up at 4.00 am to evacuate or to phone the Hotline to see if they're spraying today, give Helen a ring too. Leave her a message asking her to come and stand in the school playgrounds with the children being sprayed. It's time she showed some solidarity with those she has sentenced to be sprayed for the next 3 years. Phone: 638 8055, and don't forget to tell her that AERIAL SPRAYING EQUALS NO LABOUR VOTE.  I note she is also looking for a new electorate secretary (I wonder why). You can phone 846 3117 to apply.
 

December 1, 2002-Anti-Spray health Support Group Formed
Sally Lewis, one of the aerial spray evacuees, has formed a health support group for those who she sees as having been marginalised by MAF.  They have been meeting informally since March 2002. She says she has been deluged with calls from those suffering severe adverse health effects from the spray. There is no support available for these people, she says. Many have been refused evacuation by MAF and are being pressured to sign consent forms which would give MAF doctors access to victims' entire medical history and health records normally held confidential by a person's GP.  She considers this to be an abuse of patients' privacy and is recommending that spray victims do not sign this form.

Many of those contacting Sally recount disturbing stories of the way they have been treated by doctors at Aer Aqua - the medical consultancy contracted by MAF to provide medical assessment and advice. Patients complain of having received no examinations or treatment, instead they are often sent for a raft of tests and x-rays and then told their symptoms are not spray related.  Many have been told their symptoms are psychosomatic or due to other causes.  They are then sent back to their GPs in spite of GPs often having provided letters or certificates saying their health has been affected by the spray.  Some doctors have reported a 50% increase in asthma cases.  Patients have also reported burning throats and eyes, severe skin rashes, vomiting, diarrhoea and persistent headaches. There have also been some cases of severe anaphylactic shock.

Other evacuees, including a pregnant woman and her young children, have reported instances of being caught outside in the spray due to mismanagement of their evacuation by MAF officials.  Many of these people are now experiencing chronic health effects including severe diarrhoea and bleeding from the bowel.

Sally says she has set up her support group in response to the victimisation of spray sufferers by MAF and believes there is an urgent need to provide more funding to help these people out of the $90 million given to MAF by the government for the eradication programme.

Sally Lewis
GASP
antisprayhealthgroup@newzealand.co.nz
Ph: 826 1292

November 29, 2002-Aerial Spraying Protestors in New Zealand Considering Direct Action!
Helen Wiseman-Dare of West Aucklanders Against Aerial Spraying (WASP) said today that she was heartened to hear that people were considering protesting at Whenuapai Airbase where the spray planes take off from, on the next Spray Day. Spraying is next scheduled for December 2nd. WASP is encouraging residents in the spray zone to continue with their tarpaulins protest which involves covering up their gardens and properties during spraying as both a form of protest and as a way to protect their gardens from the effects of the spray.  Many residents had experienced damage to vegetation in their gardens and plants dying after being aerially sprayed. Residents had also told her they wished to protect their vegetable gardens from being sprayed with unknown chemicals.  Organic gardeners were particularly concerned to keep Foray 48B off their gardens as it is not licensed for use in organic growing and growers overseas had lost their organic certification after being aerially sprayed.

WASP has also heard that some residents intend to float helium balloons 50 - 70 metres above their homes on spray days as a form of protest.  Residents intend to have slogans such as "MAF OFF" or "FOKKER OFF" on their balloons (a Fokker Friendship aeroplane is one of the aircraft being used).

The government has, against the advice of the Treasury Department, given the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries another $90 million to continue aerial spraying over nearly 200,000 Auckland homes every 2-3 weeks for the next three years, to eradicate the Painted Apple Moth.  Mr Jim Sutton, Minister for Biosecurity has stated that he has "no way of knowing with any certainty whether it would be a serious pest in New Zealand. And we have no certainty of success in an eradication attempt." (3 July 2002).  MAF has put the chance of achieving eradication at only 60-80%. Aerial spraying started in January this year with eleven sprays being carried out so far.

Many residents and their animals have experienced adverse health effects and MAF is currently paying to evacuate at least 55 families on spray days. Many others pay their own relocation costs. All are having to foot the bill for hundreds of dollars of doctors and specialists visits plus medication costs, as well as vets visits for their sick animals.