New Zealand’s beekeeping industry is entering a new era following the formation of Honey and Bees New Zealand (HBNZ). The new organisation was created after Apiculture New Zealand members voted in June to reform the industry body with a stronger focus on commercial beekeeping.
HBNZ aims to provide a single national voice for the sector and eventually merge with New Zealand Beekeeping Inc (NZBI). Membership is open to commercial and non-commercial beekeepers, clubs and industry associates, although commercial members will retain voting rights and governance responsibilities.
For many beekeepers, the success of the new organisation will depend on whether it can unite the industry while ensuring all voices continue to be heard.
Jason Smith, acting president of the Tasman Bee Club, says there is still “quite a bit to see how this will play out” as the new structure develops.
He says upcoming meetings with hobby clubs should provide more clarity about how hobby beekeepers will be represented.
Jason believes biosecurity is one issue that requires all beekeepers to remain connected.
“Issues regarding biosecurity or incursions affect all beekeepers, not just commercials. You only need to look at the Yellow-legged Hornet incursion in Auckland to see how all beekeepers were concerned and needed to be kept up to date.”
Marlborough Beekeepers Association chair Dion Mundy welcomes the move towards a single representative body.
“I’m looking forward to the industry having a single voice. When an industry has a single voice, it’s much easier to be heard by government for things like biosecurity.
“Organisations like MPI also have a single contact for industry-related discussions.”
Dion believes a unified organisation could also help promote New Zealand honey.
“Recently marketing has been based around mānuka. We have an opportunity to build wider recognition for New Zealand honey because we produce some great varieties.”
He also sees the retirement of experienced beekeepers as a major challenge over the next five years, warning that valuable skills and knowledge risk being lost.
Dion says training through NMIT, supported by members of the Marlborough Beekeepers Association, can help develop the next generation of beekeepers.
Wakefield-based beekeeper and queen bee breeder Nick Milne says biosecurity remains the industry’s greatest challenge.
“Currently our biggest concern is the risk of pests to our bees. Varroa requires constant management, American foulbrood remains an ongoing threat…and the hornet incursion in Auckland is a massive risk to the industry,” he says.
While Nick believes the new organisation is a positive step, he says its effectiveness will depend on industry support.
“The new organisation is better than no organisation. However, it remains to be seen how effective it will be.
“With minimal buy in from stakeholders other than commercial beekeepers, I feel that it is hard to put forward a ‘united voice’. Only time will tell how effective it will be and how many beekeepers will join
Nick says his business is likely to succeed regardless of whether an industry body exists, and he remains optimistic about the sector’s future after several difficult years.
“We have moved through the toughest period of beekeeping that I have experienced in 25 years, over the last five years. Things have begun to turn, and the next few seasons should be good for us in terms of rising returns if the weather plays ball. This won’t be the mānuka boom of old but should allow those beekeepers still in the industry to get onto an even keel.”
He is also encouraged by the number of “good, enthusiastic,” young beekeepers entering the sector and hopes a more stable industry will help retain them.
As Honey and Bees New Zealand begins its work, there is optimism that a unified voice will strengthen advocacy and engagement with government.
However, many beekeepers believe its long-term success will depend on bringing the entire industry, commercial and hobby alike, along for the journey.
Membership levels over the next 12 months may provide the first real indication of how strongly the sector embraces the new organisation.
