Biosecurity New Zealand is continuing to ramp up its campaign to locate and eliminate the invasive yellow-legged hornet, following confirmed detections on Auckland’s North Shore.

To date, 10 queen hornets, two workers, and seven nests have been successfully located and removed from the Glenfield and Birkdale areas.

A Technical Advisory Group (TAG), comprising independent scientific experts from countries that have successfully managed hornet incursions, is supporting the response. Their recommendations are shaping the response strategy. Key additional actions getting underway include:

• Extending trapping out to 5km, with a combination of carbohydrate and protein traps, with further extension as needed.
• Introducing advanced tracking technology from the Netherlands to trace hornets back to their nests.
• Hosting a specialist from the UK’s hornet response team to train staff and advise on programme delivery.
• Increasing staff on the ground to accelerate detection and removal.

The success of this response is heavily reliant on the ongoing support of the public and key stakeholders, including kiwifruit growers.

Biosecurity New Zealand; the bee industry; horticulture and arable sector partners including KVH; regional councils; and the Department of Conservations are all working jointly on response efforts.

All growers - especially those in Auckland - are urged to be on the lookout for yellow-legged hornets or nests, especially in any hives they may have on their property. Report sightings immediately to Biosecurity New Zealand on 0800 80 99 66 or make an online report here.