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The fight to eradicate the yellow-legged hornet in Auckland is entering a critical phase, with warmer weather increasing the risk of any surviving queens emerging from winter, says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard.
The response has already destroyed 77 queens and 132 nests, with no hornets seen since April.
But Hoggard says while that’s encouraging, we are not out of the woods yet.
“If any mated queens survived winter, they may start emerging in the coming weeks to build new nests,” he says.
“That is why we need Aucklanders to stay alert,” he says. “If you think you have seen a yellow-legged hornet or nest, take a photo if it is safe, and report it straight away.”
More than 18,000 public reports have helped the response so far, and Hoggard says that support remains vital.
Surveillance, trapping and apiary monitoring continued over winter and are now being stepped up for the high-risk spring period.
“This is a crucial time. If any queens are out there, we need to find them now,” he says.
Search teams will be looking for hornets and early-stage nests, supported by trapping and new detection tools.
The response has used local and international scientific advice, including hornet-mounted radio trackers, AI-enabled cameras, thermal drones, traps and Vespex bait.
If no further hornets are found after two years of surveillance, New Zealand will be able to meet international standards for declaring eradication.
Suspected hornets or nests can be reported by calling 0800 80 99 66 or visiting report.mpi.govt.nz.
