Te Puke residents have expressed concern about the confirmed Psa infection at a kiwifruit orchard near the town. Many residents spoken to by SunLive say it will have a big impact on the area if the infection is not contained.

MAF staff are checking crops surrounding Te Puke after the infection was detected. Officials are unsure if it has spread to other orchards but should know more by the end of Tuesday.

Murray Howell: 'I just heard it on the TV last night. I just thought ‘great', that's all we need in a recession. Kiwifruit growers are keeping our town alive at the moment.”

Ross Turner: 'Some bugger has brought it in. It's going to kill the industry if they can't stop it. It's going to cost millions to kill it with spray.”

Jan Smith: 'I'm quite worried because I live next to a huge kiwifruit orchard and if it proves positive, then that's the only mahi (work) for our people because sometimes, especially these younger ones, that's all they have.”

Guy Campbell: 'It doesn't sound the best. It's not good. I hope they are able to control it. If it gets into other orchards, it could have a big financial impact on the town.”

Rebecca Stevenson: 'Apparently it's only one orchard. I've talked to one guy who owns a kiwifruit orchard and he is not too concerned about it. I think they will get on top of it. Who can predict (if it spreads). It sounds like all the specialists are checking it.”