Bee mite spreads into Hawkes Bay

The destructive bee mite has spread into Hawkes Bay - one of the last areas of the North Island that had been clear of the pest.

Apiarist Ian Berry has confirmed that a varroa mite was found during testing of "sticky boards" from Arataki Honey in Havelock North, the company he pioneered almost 60 years ago.



The finding has come as beekeepers urge the Government to keep a control line across the central North Island.

The mite has the potential to slowly kill bee colonies, leading to drastic cuts in bee populations and honey production, although it does not affect the quality of the honey they produce. *