Instead, the initial response focused on pamphlets and public education.<\/p>\n
Windust said MPI\u2019s approach has since been reactive rather than proactive, pointing to its stance on traps as an example<\/a>. <\/p>\n First, the agency claimed there were no suitable traps for hornets, then raised concerns about bycatch. Only after queens were found did MPI begin using traps \u2014 but in limited numbers and only within a 5km radius. <\/p>\n Biosecurity New Zealand Commissioner North Mike Inglis highlighted operational changes, which included:<\/p>\n Trap numbers increased fivefold to more than 600 within a 5km radius, using different trap designs and lures;Traps added as hornets are found; Ground searches completed at more than 2100 properties, with more added daily;Electronic tracking gear purchased and used under UK expert\u2019s guidance to trace nests if worker activity rises;Nationwide public awareness campaign launched this week urging reports of sightings;Working closely with primary sector partners, including the bee industry. Inglis said public vigilance was essential; MPI appreciated the 4200 notifications it had received to date. <\/p>\n \u201cWe continue to be guided by international expertise from people who have dealt with the hornet directly and we will adjust our response as required. <\/p>\n \u201cOur Government Industry Agreement governance group, which includes all major sector groups, meets twice weekly to discuss the response.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have contingency planning in place for the summer, and our people are committed to their work.\u201d <\/p>\n Jack Craw, deputy chair of Northland Regional Council and chair of its Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party, said the council was \u201cdeeply concerned\u201d about the hornet, which could wipe out 30% of New Zealand\u2019s honeybees. NRC was monitoring MPI updates daily. <\/p>\n Craw said MPI was \u201ca bit slow getting off the mark\u201d but is now \u201cdoing a pretty good job\u201d. <\/p>\n Craw wouldn\u2019t say if he thought Windust\u2019s advocacy had directly influenced MPI\u2019s increased effort; however, he was grateful to him for raising the issue. <\/p>\nA queen Asian yellow-legged hornet in the early stages of nest building. Photo \/ supplied<\/p>\n
Yellow-legged hornet characteristics. Photo Buckeye Yard & Garden, Ohio State University.<\/p>\n