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Man spraying agrichemicals Man spraying agrichemicals

Spray drift

Spray drift happens when agrichemicals (used to control pests, weeds, or plant diseases) are carried away from the target area. This can be due to weather, the way the spray is applied, or the landscape.

Spray drift can affect people’s health, damage plants, or contaminate water supplies. How harmful it is depends on the type of chemical, how much was used, and how far it has travelled.

If you're concerned about your health after spraying in your area, contact your doctor or health professional.

If you're affected by spray drift

If you’re concerned about spray drift on or near your property — especially if it’s affecting health, animals, or plants — call our Pollution Hotline on 0800 884 883.

You should also:

  • Contact your doctor or health professional if you have health concerns.
  • Record key details to support any investigation, such as:
    • When and where it happened
    • Weather conditions (especially wind direction and strength)
    • What the spray looked or smelled like
    • Who was spraying, and what equipment they were using
    • Any symptoms you experienced, and when they appeared
    • Aircraft details (if used): colour, height, flight path, or ID number
    • Photos or video if safely possible.

Planning to spray? Let your neighbours know!

The golden rule: If you’re going to spray, give your neighbours plenty of notice.

You also need to follow a few important rules:

  • Bay of Plenty Regional Council manages spray use under the Resource Management Act. Rule AIR-AGR-R18 of the Regional Natural Resources Plan permits spray application provided certain conditions are complied with.
  • Health authorities investigate any reports where people believe their health has been affected by spray drift. Under the Health Act, chemical poisoning is a notifiable condition.
  • The Ministry for Primary Industries can take legal action if spray drift damages property (especially crops or plants).
  • The EPA is responsible for assessing and approving hazardous substances (including agrichemicals) for use in NZ. If you are concerned about the use of a certain substance, you can contact the EPA.
  • In 2024 the EPA set out new rules for the use of Hicane on kiwifruit and other crops. Hicane spraying is now restricted to between 1 July and 10 September and specific buffer distances are set out in the rules.  

If you're spraying agrichemicals or live nearby, here's what you can do to help prevent unwanted exposure:

If you’re a grower or contractor:

If you're a neighbour or nearby resident:

  • Stay indoors and keep children and pets inside while spraying is happening.
  • Close all windows and doors.
  • Bring in washing from the clothesline.
  • Disconnect rainwater tanks from roof collection.
  • Store some clean water in sealed containers (add ½ teaspoon of bleach per 10L to keep it safe).
  • Cover fishponds.

If you’re worried about spray drift, call our Pollution Hotline: 0800 884 883

Streptomycin is an antibiotic approved for use on crops in New Zealand since the 1960s. It’s now also used on kiwifruit vines to manage the vine disease PSA.

Key points about its use:

  • Only applied before flowering (not on fruit or flowers).
  • Limited to three applications per season.
  • Used only in high-risk or infected areas.
  • Fruit is tested for residues before it goes to market to make sure it's safe.

Zespri and Kiwifruit Vine Health (KVH) monitor its use, and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has confirmed it poses no food safety risk when used correctly.

  • Environmental Protection Authority (EPA): Ensures the safe use of hazardous substances, including spray drift.
  • MPI’s ACVM Group: Regulates agrichemicals to make sure they’re safe for people, animals, and the environment.
  • Kiwifruit Vine Health (KVH): Supports growers and leads efforts to manage PSA disease in kiwifruit.

Commercial operators applying streptomycin must be HSNO Approved Handlers and take all precautions to prevent spray drift.