A bug expert says redback spiders should be welcomed, not feared.
It comes after Northland Regional Council warned of about the recent capture of three separate spiders.
But "Bug Man" Ruud Kleinpaste says redbacks can be good for the environment.
"These redbacks basically eat flies and wasps and all that they can find in their little messy webs, and as such, they're doing a great job as predators."
Mr Kleinpaste says a bite will sting and feel uncomfortable, but it won't kill you.
"It can be sore. I've been bitten three times. You don't actually die from it, but it's a bit uncomfortable,"
It comes after a post to Facebook from the Northland Regional Council highlighted an increasing population in the Dargaville area, following the recent discovery of three spiders.
Redback spiders prefer to live in dry, sheltered places. Northland Regional Council asks people to take extra care when moving dry wood for this reason.
Redback spiders have been recorded in New Zealand since the 1980s. There are reported populations in Otago, New Plymouth and Taupo.
According to the Ministry of Health, their bite feels like "a like a sharp pain similar to a pinprick". It can lead to localised pain and sweating. In some cases, the pain can spread and aches in the muscles and joints, as well as nausea and vomiting, can result.
Redbacks are a direct relative of the native katipo, an endangered spider found around the New Zealand coastline, except for the deep south and west. Bites are rare but can be extremely painful.
Newshub.
