Hornet tracking continues!
Biosecurity New Zealand is urging Aucklanders to continue to be on the lookout for yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) or nests.
Risk to New Zealand from hornets:
The yellow-legged hornet is a biosecurity concern due to its potential impact on honeybee and wild bee populations. It primarily feeds on bees, wasps, and flies. It may compete with native insects and birds for food, and it has a painful sting.
Since 17 October 2025, 9 confirmed queen hornets have been found in Glenfield and Birkdale. All detected hornets and nests have been safely removed.
The best surveillance tool we have is for people to report any sightings of suspected hornets or hornet nests.
Biosecurity New Zealand is aware of members of the public taking previously published photos of the hornet and posting them on social media, with claims it is a new discovery in a different region of New Zealand. This means confirmation from photographs alone is not possible and could be misleading.
Need help identifying hornets and their nests? Head here.
Reports can be made at report.mpi.govt.nz
by calling Biosecurity New Zealand’s exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 809 966
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.5% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.3% ... It is complicated
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
Make a hearty dish. Take just half a minute. Add four parts of kestrel. Then just add one. What have you made?
(Trev from Silverdale kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Trev!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.
Nominations are officially open for the 2026 Westfield Local Heroes program
Know someone in your community who is driving positive change?
Westfield is inviting you to nominate your local hero online.
The successful hero for each New Zealand Westfield destination will be awarded a $20,000 grant for the organisation or group they represent, and each finalist will receive a $5,000 grant for their organisation or group.
Find out more about the program and nominate your Local Hero now
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