Last week I helped with the release of non-stinging Giant Reed Wasp into Birkenhead War Memorial Park.
Over time, the insects will help to reduce the 6,000m2 of invasive Giant Reed (Arundo donax) in the middle of the park.
A study of release sites in the USA, where the wasp was introduced to control their giant reed problem, has shown a successful 45% reduction in biomass over seven years.
This is the first release of the wasp into the Auckland region.
More info: http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/articles/news/2018/2/go-team-wasp/