New research to support yellow-legged hornet response

Four new research projects will help the ongoing efforts, led by Biosecurity New Zealand, to eradicate the yellow-legged hornet from New Zealand, say Science Minister Penny Simmonds and Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard.

The new research is being led by scientists at the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao, a Public Research Organisation established by the Government last year.

“In one project, scientists will use modelling to help identify areas in Auckland most at risk of ongoing hornet presence, supporting the surveillance work being done on the ground,” says Ms Simmonds.

“There’s been an unprecedented level of public reporting during the response, with around 17,850 notifications to date. This data will be used in some of the Institute’s modelling work, underscoring the value of ongoing public involvement in efforts to eradicate the hornet.”

Andrew Hoggard says since yellow-legged hornets were first detected on Auckland’s North Shore last year, 77 queens and 132 nests have been found and removed, with no further sightings since early April.

“This is a really positive sign, but continued vigilance is needed from the public and intensive searching and trapping is ongoing as part of the response operation.

“There is still work to do in this next phase of the response.  While we have made great progress, we must be ready for the possibility that some queens have survived. Even if we detect no hornets in spring, we will need ongoing surveillance with no detections before we can confirm eradication.”

The Bioeconomy Science Institute is also creating a readiness guide to support the apiculture sector in managing hornets long term, should the need arise.

“As part of our response, it makes sense to review the tools and approaches used by beekeepers overseas where the hornet is established,” Mr Hoggard says.

The research projects are supported through the Bioeconomy Science Institute’s Strategic Science Investment Fund (SSIF) funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. Overview of the four SSIF funded hornet research projects:

Identifying high‑risk areas for ongoing hornet presence using modelling.
Assessing the potential impacts of yellow‑legged hornets in non‑urban parts of New Zealand.
Targeted science communication to build awareness among Māori communities of the threat posed by yellow‑legged hornets.
A readiness package for the honey and pollination sectors should long term management become necessary, drawing on international experience and New Zealand’s eradication response learnings. ...