New Zealand Intensifies Hunt for Yellow‑Legged Hornets as Spring Approaches

New Zealand’s biosecurity effort to eliminate the invasive yellow‑legged hornet in Auckland has entered a critical phase as spring temperatures rise. Since the first detection, authorities have destroyed 77 queens and 132 nests, and no hornets have been sighted since April. Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard warns that surviving mated queens could emerge in the coming weeks, so Auckland residents are urged to report any suspected hornets or nests immediately. Over 18,000 public notifications have already helped the response. Surveillance, trapping and apiary monitoring continue through winter and will intensify in the high‑risk spring period, with search teams using new detection tools such as AI‑enabled cameras, thermal drones and hornet‑mounted radio trackers. If no hornets are found after two years of surveillance, New Zealand will meet international standards for declaring eradication.