The Government has put $12 million into wiping out yellow-legged hornet in Auckland after North Shore detections earlier this year.

Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says the funding will cover the cost of the response through to Tuesday, June 30.

He says the hornet is a predator that poses a serious threat to honeybees and, by extension, to New Zealand’s agricultural sector and overall economy, and that it is crucial to stop it establishing here.

Biosecurity New Zealand will contribute $2 million from its baseline funding, with the remaining $10 million coming from reprioritised funds.

If costs rise, Mr Hoggard says the Government will consider further funding.

He says Biosecurity New Zealand is working with industry partners under the Government Industry Agreement, including cost sharing for the response, and is engaging with beekeepers via their groups.

The response escalated after it began on Monday, November 3.

Biosecurity New Zealand says it has so far:

• Detected and safely destroyed 37 queen hornets and 28 nests
• Deployed more than 730 traps, with the surveillance zone extended to 11km
• Worked with beekeepers on surveillance around hives, with over 575 registered apiaries within the 11km zone
• Searched thousands of properties within 200m of confirmed finds
• Set up an independent technical advisory group
• Bought electronic tracking gear to trace nests by tagging foraging worker hornets
• Launched a national advertising campaign and community awareness efforts

“I can’t overstate the importance of public vigilance,” Mr Hoggard says, urging people to report suspected sightings immediately to Biosecurity New Zealand.

For Hibiscus Coast locals, the ask is the same: keep an eye out, and report it fast if you think you’ve seen one.

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