Invasive hornet queen discovered on Auckland's North Shore

RNZOtago Daily Times1NewsFriday 24 October 2025 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated

In this story Victoria University of Wellington

Photo: RNZ (opens in new tab)

A queen yellow-legged hornet has been found building a nest on Auckland's North Shore, marking the first discovery of the invasive species in New Zealand. A bee expert warns the pest could pose a serious problem for the local honey industry. Residents are being encouraged to watch for the insects.

How they headlined it

First reported by RNZ, Fri 24 Oct 2025, 1:41pm · 3 reports from 3 outlets over 5 hours
  1. RNZRNZ

    Invasive hornet could pose 'serious concern' for honey industry (opens in new tab)

  2. Otago Daily TimesOtago Daily Times

    Invasive hornet would be 'serious concern' (opens in new tab)

  3. 1News1News via RNZ

    'Could not be a worse time': Hornet discovery alarms industry (opens in new tab)