New Zealand is racing to eradicate invasive yellow-legged hornets after seven queens were found on Auckland’s North Shore.

Biosecurity New Zealand is intensifying efforts to eliminate yellow-legged hornets on Auckland’s North Shore after seven queen hornets were detected since October 17, five of which showed nesting signs. Over 20 staff are conducting targeted searches, more than 180 traps are deployed and checked daily, and protein bait traps have been added. A Technical Advisory Group advises on strategy, while public outreach encourages reporting with photos or specimens via a hotline. All detected hornets and nests have been safely removed, and officials stress ongoing public vigilance to prevent the invasive species from spreading.