Biosecurity New Zealand has released figures showing they have had to invest 4.1-million-dollars between February and June. The large-scale operation to rid our shores of the pest began in February, when the first fly was found in the Auckland suburb of Devonport.

Another nine were found in Northcote and three others of another species were found in Otara. According to nzcity.co.nz, spokeswoman Dr Catherine Duthie says the cost is a necessary evil and covers the huge manpower needed to take on the fruit flies.