The New Zealand Government has announced a $2 million funding boost to expand the Wasp Wipeout programme and protect native biodiversity across the country. The investment, supported through the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, will help increase wasp control efforts in visitor areas and important ecological sites.
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka said the funding will allow Wasp Wipeout to expand its work into every region of New Zealand. The programme supports community groups by providing specialised bait, technical knowledge and resources to control introduced German and common wasp species.
Introduced wasps are considered one of New Zealand’s most damaging insect pests. They threaten native wildlife by competing for food sources and preying on native insects, birds and other species. The impact of wasps also creates economic costs estimated at more than $130 million each year.
The Wasp Wipeout programme currently treats around 30,000 hectares of land annually, mainly across South Island beech forests in regions including Nelson-Tasman, Marlborough, West Coast and Canterbury. The additional investment aims to double this coverage to 60,000 hectares.
The funding will also support improved planning, coordination, research and development of new tools and technologies to manage wasp populations more effectively. Community organisations, conservation groups and outdoor recreation networks will continue to play an important role in local control efforts.
New Zealand has some of the highest densities of Vespula wasps in the world, with some areas experiencing thousands of wasps per hectare during peak seasons. The expanded programme aims to restore healthier ecosystems and help protect native species.
Through stronger conservation action and community involvement, the Wasp Wipeout expansion is expected to create safer outdoor environments while supporting the long-term protection of New Zealand’s unique natural heritage.
