The Government has committed an additional $12 million to strengthen efforts to eradicate the invasive yellow-legged hornet in Auckland, following confirmed detections on the North Shore earlier this year.
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard said the funding would cover the cost of the response through to 30 June 2026, giving authorities what he described as the best possible chance to eliminate the threat before it becomes established.
The hornet is a known predator of honeybees and poses a significant risk to New Zealand’s environment, primary industries and wider economy. Hoggard said preventing its spread was critical to protecting pollination, agricultural productivity and the livelihoods that depend on them.
Of the total funding, Biosecurity New Zealand will contribute $2 million from its existing baseline budget, with the remaining $10 million coming from reprioritised funds. The Government has also signalled it may consider further funding if response costs increase.
Biosecurity New Zealand is working alongside industry partners under the Government Industry Agreement, which includes cost-sharing arrangements, and is engaging directly with beekeepers and their representative groups. Officials say local and international expertise continues to guide the response as authorities move quickly to contain and eradicate the pest.
