Bee happy – learn the basics

A honey bee collects pollen from a flower. Photo/File

People who are interested in keeping bees need to do their homework.

Apiculture NZ Communications co-ordinator Hannah Amante says it recommends people do as much research as possible and get hands-on experience through their local beekeeping club before getting a hive of their own.

"We also encourage them to read our voluntary Code of Conduct for guidelines on responsible beekeeping, which includes being mindful of neighbours' and public safety."

People can help bees by planting bee-friendly gardens, as well-nourished bees are more capable of fending off disease and parasites.

"The best flowers for bees are wildflowers, which are naturally organic. Another way to protect bees is to avoid spraying your garden when plants are in flower and or when bees are present.

"You can also provide fresh drinking water for bees in the summer by putting out a saucepan of water with pebbles or twigs for the bees to rest on while they drink."

Beekeeping is a great way to help improve pollination in your garden and neighbourhood and it brings many rewards but you need to be committed to using beekeeping best practice.

"By putting in place good beekeeping practice, you can maximise your bees' health. It means you will be able to recognise diseases which, if not treated, will not only affect your bees but may adversely affect all bees in New Zealand."

Meanwhile in comparison to many other countries, New Zealand currently enjoys a healthy and thriving bee population due to strict biosecurity and good beekeeping practice, she says.

"The New Zealand Colony Loss Survey is undertaken every year to monitor honey bee health and just under 10 per cent were lost in 2016."

A Ministry for Primary Industries spokeswoman says depending on climatic conditions,

"We produce up to 20,000 tonnes of honey each year. Export earnings have exceeded $300 million and continue to grow.

"It's worth noting that honey bees are extremely valuable for New Zealand — beyond honey. Some experts estimate honey bee pollination services are worth around $5 to $6 billion to New Zealand."

MPI was working with the Apiculture sector to grow and to ensure our honey continues to be authentic, trusted and sustainable, she says.

Top Tips
■ Learn about the honey bee.
■ Understand the life cycle, learn the terms used in the bee world, and get to know the legal requirements needed within New Zealand.
■ Learn the style of beekeeping. Read information specific to New Zealand beekeeping with hive options to house your bees here.
■ For example, bees can be housed in different structures but legal requirements need to be met.
■ Find out more about seasons, pests and diseases that affect the honey bee in New Zealand.
■ Decide what protective clothing you will wear while beekeeping
■ Obtain tools for beekeeping management.
■ Join a beekeeping club