In 1999 New Zealanders' discovered an unwanted visitor in the shape of an Australian moth. The insect posed a grave risk to the coveted forests of West Auckland and an immediate spray campaign was launched using a pesticide of undisclosed ingredients. Suddenly a new victim emerged. Residents of the area sprayed have been hit hard by some debilitating health conditions provoked by the use of the spray. "Coughing, headache, sore throat, stomach ache, vomiting, diarrhoea..." lists resident Viki Sciarone, these are just some of the reactions. Indeed 'Spray Day' is no festive holiday, but a time for confinement or at worst, government funded relocation. Residents accept the need for the moth to be eradicated but find difficult to swallow the attitude of ministers that they suffer just "inconvenience and occasional discomfort." They want the spraying to be ceased altogether.

Produced by SBS Australia.