increase font size
Two key suppliers to the beekeeping industry have merged.
From April 1, Ecroyd Beekeeping Supplies Ltd (EBS) and Beetek Ltd are merged as Ecrotek Ltd, retaining the strengths of both businesses and creating a nationwide supplier.
Ecrotek will have warehousing and distribution in the North and South Island. Hobbyists and beekeepers will be able to buy products from Ecrotek retail stores in Christchurch and Auckland and via its website from July.
The Ecroyd family has supplied beekeeping equipment and honey products since 1913 when it started making comb foundation. EBS operates in Christchurch.
Beetek, a specialist maker of plastic hive wear, was founded in the early 2000’s in South Auckland.
“The intent of the combined business is to bring a higher level of service and product supply to the industry. We’ll achieve this with a new, well stocked North Island warehouse and distribution centre and a retail store,” says co-owner Stuart Ecroyd.
“We will also offer a new e-commerce website which will offer all beekeepers the chance to purchase a wide range of beekeeping supplies online,” says co-owner Dave Wrathall.
The agency charged with controlling the serious bee disease American Foul Brood (AFB) has defended itself against criticism from a North Canterbury beekeeper who was recently ordered to destroy equipment following a find of AFB spores in his storage shed.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) have released a handbook offering guidance on how to plant strategically to feed bees.
A new in-hive heat treatment is able to destroy the Varroa mite whilst keeping bees alive.
The COVID-19 crisis appears to have sparked a renewed interest in the healing properties of honey.
Apiculture NZ is seeking assurances from authorities that the country’s beekeepers won’t be faced with the same problems that their Auckland colleagues did when that region went into lockdown.
Recent rain has offered respite for some from the ongoing drought.
New Zealand's TBfree programme has made great progress in reducing the impact of the disease on livestock herds, but there’s still a long way to go, according to Beef+Lamb NZ.
With much of the North Island experiencing drought this summer and climate change projected to bring drier and hotter conditions, securing New Zealand’s freshwater resilience is vital, according to state-owned GNS Science.
OPINION: Otago farmer and NZ First MP Mark Patterson is humble about the role that he’s played in mandating government agencies to use wool wherever possible in new and refurbished buildings.
For Wonky Box co-founder Angus Simms, the decision to open the service to those in rural areas is a personal one.
The golden age of orcharding in West Auckland was recently celebrated at the launch of a book which tells the story of its rise, then retreat in the face of industry change and urban expansion.
OPINION: The appendage swinging contest between the US and China continues, with China hitting back with a new rate of…
OPINION: The irony of President Trump’s tariff obsession is that the worst damage may be done to his own people.
