Queen I think. Vespulid wasps are far less common here (Havelock North) than they were 40yr ago. Polistes chinensis is far more common but I'm not sure if that sp is increasing. They often nest on the inner sides of cardboard plant protectors.
These are strays that came back to the nest after it had been destroyed and the entrance blocked up with soil.
Thought it was German, because of the face pattern, but the AI made me uncertain :)