In answer to a question from VillagePRESS, reports MAF:

"Spider" HOAX message is an irresponsible action 
 

A hoax email showing major damage from a "new spider" is not real, MAF reported

We advise recipients of the hoax email to ignore it and delete it without forwarding it on.
 

The email irresponsibly reportes

THIS IS A HOAX		Police officers working with the D.A.R.E program have issued this Warning: If you are driving after dark and see and on-coming car with no headlights on, DO NOT FLASH YOUR LIGHTS AT THEM! Hi Melanie, please forward this around to your Landscapers This spider was found at Botany (Eastern Suburbs) and this gentlemans hand is 2 weeks old. It has been advised to stay well clear of this spider, if you recognise this spider from the picture below leave it alone and to contact MAF immediately. Regards M (name removed - ed) The (name removed - ed) Ltd
THIS IS A HOAX		spider is common harvest spider and hand 'damage" pure nonsense

Again note this message, passed on from friend to friend with good intention is a HOAX -- it is not true

 NZ NEWS of local impact