The introduction of bumblebees into North Island, New Zealand

Bombus terrestris and B. ruderatus were sent from South Island to North Island from time to time from 1888 onwards. Both species established and spread throughout the island. They were first recorded in Wellington in 1888 and in Auckland in May 1890. B. hortorum and B. subterraneus were first brought from South Island and liberated at Palmerston North in 1965. B. hortorum established successfully, but B. subterraneus has not been seen since the summer of 1965.