To date, there have been seven confirmed queen hornets found.

In addition, one suspect queen hornet has been identified from a photograph in the same Auckland suburb. However, Biosecurity New Zealand is aware of members of the public taking previously published photos of the hornet and posting them on social media, with claims it is a new discovery in a different region of New Zealand. This means confirmation from photographs alone is not possible and could be misleading.

A plan of work is underway that includes: 

• enhanced on-the-ground surveillance in the areas where the queen hornets have been found
• a trial using protein bait traps in addition to those already out
• drawing on the expertise of a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) of independent scientific experts with expertise in the biology, ecology, and management of social wasps. The TAG will consider options for ongoing work.

The best surveillance tool we have is for people to report any sightings of suspected hornets or hornet nests.

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.