The response to eradicate the yellow-legged hornet in Auckland has entered a crucial stage, with warmer spring weather increasing the risk of any surviving queens emerging from winter.

Since the response began, 77 queens and 133 nests have been destroyed, and no hornets have been detected since April.

Biosecurity New Zealand is now increasing surveillance, trapping, and monitoring efforts across Auckland during this high-risk period. While progress is encouraging, we continue to urge growers to remain vigilant and report any suspected yellow-legged hornets or nests immediately. More than 18,000 public reports have contributed to the response so far.

The yellow-legged hornet is a significant threat to honeybees and pollinators. KVH continues to work closely with Biosecurity New Zealand and other industry groups to minimise risk to New Zealand growers and exporters and ensure all response activities are in the interests of kiwifruit growers being able to maintain access to sufficient levels of pollination services in future seasons.

If eradication is successful and no further hornets are found during ongoing surveillance, New Zealand will be able to declare the pest eradicated in line with international standards.

Suspected sightings can be reported to Biosecurity New Zealand online or by calling the hotline on 0800 80 99 66.

Regular updates and resources are available on the KVH website, including:

• How to ID a hornet: poster

• How to look for hornets and their nests on your property: video

• How to make a homemade hornet trap: fact sheet