The discovery of the invasive hornet species, yellow-legged hornets, in Auckland, presents a major threat to New Zealand’s beekeeping industry. This is the first time queen yellow-legged hornets have been found in the country, and while at this stage restricted to the Auckland region, neither our sector nor the Government can be complacent about this pest. We know from overseas experience that the effects of the hornets on honeybees has been a devastating, contributing to colony die off. The hornets are also a major concern for the wider ecosystem, as well as being a health threat to humans.

This is a serious concern for the honey bee sector and requires all of us around the country to stay vigilant and be on the lookout for this pest. Please report any sightings of suspected hornets or hornet nests online at report.mpi.govt.nz or by calling Biosecurity New Zealand’s exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66.

Apiculture NZ, New Zealand Beekeeping Inc and New Zealand Bee Health & Biosecurity Trust (NZBB) are working closely with Biosecurity New Zealand (MPI) to ensure beekeepers have the knowledge needed to identify and deal with this pest. We have also made contact with respective Government Ministers.

Collectively we are meeting with Biosecurity New Zealand on a daily basis and will alert beekeepers to developments as they emerge but at this stage the best place for information on the hornet, including photos of the pest, is via Biosecurity New Zealand’s links here.

If you have any questions at all please contact info@apinz.org.nz

Karin Kos, CE ApiNZ
Jane Lorimer, President NZBI
Niha Long, CE NZBB