Last week a positive PSA reading from a KeriKeri kiwifruit orchard alarmed growers who feared the deadly  vine killing disease had spread all the way from the Bay of Plenty.

But alarm has turned to relief, as further tests have come up with a negative result.

A cautious John Burke, General Manager of Kiwifruit Vine Health told Country99TV it’s unusual to get a false positive result and they will continue to monitor the situation closely.

“It’s unconditionally confirmed negative at this moment. We’ve still got a couple of tests to come through. It’s looking hopeful that it’s been a false alarm at this stage.”

Mr. Burke said extra precautions are in place in terms of monitoring protocols in Kerikeri, and business will carry on as usual.

“We’re monitoring the whole of New Zealand, so anything suspicious we test and it’s unusual that we had a false positive, that’s pretty rare.

"But that test that come through positive initially, we’re still awaiting the final validated results from Landcare.”