The ship was due to arrive in the Port of Tauranga early this morning. File photo.
A container ship has been prevented from entering New Zealand waters after several moths were found on board.
The ANL Warragul was heading to the Port of Tauranga from Sydney when the insects were discovered.
A Ministry for Primary Industries spokesperson says a number of dead and live moths have been found on board the vessel.
“We haven’t identified the moths yet, so we don’t whether they’re regulated or not. The vessel is currently outside the 12 nautical mile mark, so they’re not currently in New Zealand territorial waters.
“If the moth is found to be regulated, the vessel may not be permitted to enter New Zealand.”
According to the shipping schedule, the ANL Warragul was due to arrive in port at 5am this morning, and depart for Papeete, Tahiti at 10pm.
The Port of Tauranga directed all SunLive enquiries to MPI.