Response efforts to locate and eliminate the invasive yellow-legged hornet continue to ramp up, following confirmed detections in the Glenfield and Birkdale areas of Auckland.

To date, there have been 14 queen hornets and two workers found (based on specimens). Nine of the 14 confirmed queens were found with either developed nests or evidence of nesting and have been successfully removed.

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. KVH will be closely involved in this action thanks to industry personnel from both our team and the local APAC crew contributing from Monday.

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

All growers - especially those in Auckland - are urged to be on the lookout for yellow-legged hornets or nests, especially near 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.

There is also a poster for making homemade hornet traps available on our dedicated response page here.

Biosecurity New Zealand is partnering in the response with horticulture, wine and arable sectors, including KVH, under the Government Industry Agreement for Biosecurity Readiness and Response (GIA); alongside the bee industry, regional councils, and the Department of Conservation on response efforts.