Growers - especially in the Auckland region - are encouraged to be on the lookout and stay alert for yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) or nests, especially if there are hives on your property, and report sightings immediately to Biosecurity New Zealand on 0800 80 99 66 or make an online report here.

Biosecurity New Zealand has had a fantastic response so far from the public to the request for help with surveillance. To date, more than 1,000 notifications via email and phone have been received, with no new confirmed finds since the weekend.

Since 17 October, Biosecurity New Zealand has found four confirmed queen hornets and safely removed their nests. Three were detected in Glenfield and one in Birkdale, about 1.3 km from the initial detection in Glenfield.

To support surveillance, Biosecurity New Zealand is laying traps in a measured way in areas where females have been found. By the end of today (Wednesday 5 November) there will be 120 traps in the field.

This is the first time we’ve found yellow-legged hornets in New Zealand. They pose a biosecurity risk because of their potential impact on honeybee and wild bee populations.

KVH continues to actively engage with Biosecurity New Zealand on yellow-legged hornet activities and will keep growers informed as the situation develops.

• Read more about the detection on the Biosecurity New Zealand website, including helpful images, here.
• Read the KVH fact sheet, including helpful images, here.
• Read more about offshore threats of specific concern to the kiwifruit industry here.