“It may not be common knowledge that there are over 2,000 species of wasps in NZ,” said trustee Connal McLean, “and the majority have a very useful place in our ecosystems. But this survey addressed the predatory social wasps, Polistes and Vespula species, which are self-introduced to this region of the world. Most wasps pose zero threat to humans or ecosystems.”

The report, comparing responses from 2019 and 2025 surveys, reflects the voices of over one thousand respondents, providing strong insight into community perspectives.

“The survey was self-selecting and should not be interpreted as a statistically representative sample of all New Zealanders,” he added.

Almost all respondents had noticed that wasps negatively affect invertebrates such as moths, butterflies, beetles, and wētā. There is also significant concern over broader ecosystem impacts (forest regeneration, honeydew-dependent ecosystems) as well as effects on vertebrates (birds, bats, reptiles, humans etc.).

“The survey confirms what many New Zealanders already suspected: these wasps aren’t just a nuisance,” added Connal. “They’re a serious threat to native wildlife, conservation efforts, and even the well-being of people.”

“Pest wasps are no longer a niche concern,” said Jacqui Knight, founding trustee of the MBNZT. “They are a national issue, touching on biodiversity, human health, economy, outdoor recreation, agriculture, and conservation.”

The MBNZT trustees recommend enhancing public education of the species and the damage they cause, strengthening governance and funding, supporting community and restoration group engagement, improving monitoring and early detection and scaling up effective control programmes.

“What’s encouraging is the widespread readiness among the public to see stronger action,” said Maurice Mehlhopt, Chairman of the MBNZT. “The tools exist; what we need now is commitment and coordination.”

The MBNZT hopes to receive feedback from the Department of Conservation, and particularly those behind NZ’s Predator Free 2050 strategy.

The MBNZT was founded twenty years ago with the vision to ensure that Aotearoa New Zealand's ecosystems support thriving moth and butterfly populations.