Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries
Intensive efforts are continuing on Auckland’s North Shore to track down yellow-legged hornets, says Biosecurity New Zealand.
“This week we introduced additional teams to methodically check common nesting areas close to where hornets have been detected in Glenfield and Birkdale,” says Mike Inglis, North Commissioner, Biosecurity New Zealand.
“We are stepping up our numbers on the ground to widen the search as required, and have more than 20 focused on enhanced searches and more than 100 staff across MPI involved in this response.”
In addition to ground searches, the response includes:
- Setting more than 180 traps in targeted areas where females have been found. Every trap is checked daily. No hornets have been found in traps to date. Additional traps are being added in areas where queen hornets are found, so the number of traps will continue to increase.
- Introducing protein bait traps alongside existing traps.
- Establishing a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) of independent scientific experts with expertise in the biology, ecology, and management of social wasps. The TAG has been considering options for ongoing work.
- Encouraging public surveillance, including sending staff into the community to raise awareness. This weekend, staff will again be at local markets to share information about the hornet.
Biosecurity New Zealand is also working with industry groups to plan joint response activities for summer. The plan is being informed by advice from the recently formed TAG.
Mr Inglis says since 17 October, there have been seven confirmed queen hornets found (based on collected specimens) in the North Shore. Five of these showed evidence of nesting. All detected hornets and nests have been safely removed.
“The public response has been fantastic in looking out for these hornets and continued reporting from the public remains the best way to track them down.”
Members of the public are urged to report suspected hornets or nests, but only if they have a specimen, a clear photo, or have located a possible nest.
Reports can be made:
- at report.mpi.govt.nz
- by calling Biosecurity New Zealand’s exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 809 966.
For further information and regular updates on hornet finds, visit Yellow-legged hornet sightings in Auckland in 2025
For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz
For media enquiries, email BiosecurityNZ_media@mpi.govt.nz
