Kiwifruit growers are being reminded to keep the community in mind before they spray their vines with hydrogen cyanamide - known as Hi Cane.
The commonly-used spray encourages bud break and boosts the number of fruit on the vines.
But the Bay of Plenty Regional Council said that spraydrift from orchards affects the community's health - particularly people near orchards, such as rural posties who have complained about developing rashes.
The council's senior pollution prevention officer John Morris said orchardists and spray contractors needed to keep their neighbours in mind and informed about Hi Cane spraying.
"So we're just reminding people at this time of year - especially sprayers, to be a wee bit more considerate, to notify neighbours when they are undertaking spraying.
And just to spray in the correct conditions," he said. "Not when it's windy."
"We've had a lot of variations of the effects that people indicate that they have when they come into contact with Hi Cane.
"So it does vary a wee bit.
"Rashes are a common thing and that's why we've worked with New Zealand Post, because a few of their contractors were concerned.
"We've taken steps now to reduce the risk of spray going on the letterboxes because some of them were concerned with the contact and some of the rashes that came out at this time of year," he said.
