Authorities in Auckland have ramped up efforts to eradicate the invasive yellow-legged hornet after 27 queen hornets were detected across the region, alongside seven workers and 17 nests discovered and removed from the Glenfield and Birkdale areas.
According to 1News, the first hornet was spotted in Glenfield in late October, prompting urgent action. The species poses a significant threat to local ecosystems, particularly honey bees and wild bees, which are vital pollinators.
Genetic testing has revealed that the hornets are closely related, indicating a "small, contained population" rather than a widespread infestation.
Biosecurity New Zealand commissioner north Mike Inglis said the findings show that surveillance measures are proving effective, leading to an expanded search across Auckland’s North Shore, 1News has reported.
"In recent weeks, we’ve put in five times as many traps (now more than 600) across a 5km radius from detection sites, and property-by-property searches under way within 200 metres of confirmed finds," he said, as quoted by 1News.
So far, teams have inspected more than 2,100 properties, with the number increasing daily. Inglis said intensive ground searches are yielding results.
"Those ground searches are paying dividends, with many of the nests and queens being detected through those intensive ground sweeps," 1News has quoted.
The response operation includes teams from Auckland Council, Pest Free Kaipātiki, Plant & Food Research, and Kiwifruit Vine Health, working alongside Biosecurity New Zealand. Electronic tracking equipment, sourced through international expertise, has also arrived to support the efforts.
Inglis emphasised the crucial role of community assistance.
"We’ve had more than 4000 public notifications so far, an incredible contribution, and we’re very keen for this to continue," as quoted by 1News.
Residents who encounter a suspected hornet nest, or have photographic evidence, are urged to contact Biosecurity New Zealand immediately.
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