Pursuant to section 49H of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 (“HSNO Act”), the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) gives notice that on 2 March 2026 it approved the use of sulfur dioxide as an insecticide to eradicate the presence of yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina) in response to the special emergency declared by the Minister for Biosecurity on 10 December 2025. The substance is considered necessary to deal with the presence of the hornet and any adverse effects will be adequately managed through a management plan.

The approval and management plan may be inspected free of charge (Ref: APP205123) at www.epa.govt.nz or during normal business hours at the EPA office at Stewart Dawson’s Corner, 366 Lambton Quay, Wellington 6011. Telephone: (04) 916 2426. Email: info@epa.govt.nz.

Dated at Wellington this 4th day of March 2026.

Dr STEPHEN TREDWELL, Chair of the Decision-Making Committee, for and on behalf of the Environmental Protection Authority.