Wasp Wipeout 2023/2024

Wasp Wipeout is a community-led conservation project aimed at significantly reducing German and common wasp populations in the worst affected areas of New Zealand this summer.

Alongside our partners (Stuff, the Department of Conservation (DOC), and Conservation Volunteers NZ), The Tasman Environmental Trust helps mobilise the community to donate and volunteer towards significantly reducing invasive wasp populations throughout NZ including Canterbury & the West Coast, Nelson, Tasman & the Marlborough Sounds, Central Otago, Wellington/Kapiti, Auckland & Manawatu, Hawkes Bay & Taupo.

All donations go to the Tasman Environmental Trust, which will distribute the funds to purchase bait and bait stations to continue and expand wasp control operations.

Background:

Wasp Wipeout began as a pilot project in the Nelson region in 2016, supported by the Nelson Mail, Stuff as well as the Department of Conservation, local conservation groups, businesses, scientists and members of the community. Since then the programme has expanded to include other areas that have high infestations of wasps.

Wasps are New Zealand’s ultimate villain towards humans and nature alike. The species we’re focusing on (German and common) were introduced. They wreak havoc on our environment, killing native birds, young bats, insects, lizards and honey bees. Wasps also feed off honeydew, a valuable food source for native fauna and honey bees.