53279 (2025). Steve Abel to the Minister for Biosecurity

53279 (2025). Steve Abel to the Minister for Biosecurity: How long after the first detection of yellow-legged hornets in New Zealand was the public notified, if at all?

Hon Andrew Hoggard: I am advised that the single male specimen was detected on 24 June 2025 and initially thought to be a hitchhiker pest. Following receipt of a photograph showing a potential second hornet on 4 July 2025, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) provided a briefing to industry groups, informing them of a potential detection. MPI has established contact with several agencies and groups in relation to this response including Kaipatiki Local Board, iwi, the Department of Conservation, the beekeeping industry, wider Government Industry Agreement (GIA) partners, Auckland Council, and Health New Zealand. MPI established a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) comprised of New Zealand and international science experts to guide the response strategy. A factsheet was shared with potentially impacted stakeholders regarding the identification of male hornets. This factsheet was also shared in July with the National Apiculture surveillance programme inspectors. The first queen specimen was detected on Friday 17 October 2025. Further public information efforts increased in October after the discovery of queen hornets, including information to key stakeholders, web content, fact sheets, pamphlet drops, media releases, and social media content to raise awareness. In addition, Biosecurity New Zealand staff have attended four local markets and handed out leaflets to market attendees. Local markets will continue to have Biosecurity New Zealand staff present to raise awareness of the issue.