29 Oct 2025

Queen hornet found for first time in New Zealand

From Checkpoint, 4:47 pm on 29 October 2025

Hornets are causing a biosecurity buzz in Auckland. A queen yellow legged hornet was found in the early stages of building a nest in Glenfield on the North Shore on October 17, while two males were spotted earlier in the year in Grafton and Albany. It is the first time a Queen has been found in Aotearoa. Biosecurity Neew Zealand northern commissioner Mike Inglis spoke to Lisa Owen.