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THE NEW ZEALAND bee industry as we knew it 10 years ago is not what we see today, says John Hartnell, Federated Farmers bee chairperson.
Growth in hive numbers is unprecedented and there are hundreds of new entrants, he says.
"As of April 2014, managed bee hive colonies surpassed the 500,000 mark in New Zealand, with over 4000 registered bee keepers," Hartnell says.
There's a substantial lift in honey prices, a move to Manuka tree farming of high DHA (dihydroxyacetone) yield plant stock and with it more challenges to market access, increased levels of honey testing, changing food labelling laws, a proposed change to biosecurity management and the downstream effects that will bring, to name a few, he says.
The Federated Farmers Bee Industry Group will be joining with the National Beekeepers Association for the first time this year to host a New Zealand Apiculture Industry Conference in Wanganui.
"The theme of this conference is "Working Together" with a critical focus on advancing our fast growing and vital industry that is pivotal to New Zealand's economy, with an estimated annual contribution of $5 billion a year," says Hartnell.
"The industry bridges and relies on both agriculture and horticulture, providing crucial pollination services, so it is important that we establish a future focussed industry structure and work in a unified manner to deliver positive outcomes.
"This conference will be a vital opportunity for all involved to come together on the challenges and triumphs within the industry, break the mould of yesterday and forge a solid foundation for the future, which will ensure that the political framework of our country understands and supports our industry going forward.
"Only as a united and strong industry will the future of beekeeping in New Zealand achieve its maximum potential," he says.
Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.
Federated Farmers has called on Central Otago District Council (CODC) to drop or vote down a plan to truck sludge from Alexandra and Cromwell to farmland near Lauder, warning it would compound an "outrageous" situation created by a separate council's decision weeks earlier.
Federated Farmers says new legislation replacing the Resource Management Act will cut red tape, unlock investment and help grow New Zealand's export-led economy, after the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill passed their third reading in Parliament yesterday.
Leading figures from the major political parties will be questioned on their primary sector policies at the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek Events Centre, Hamilton, on 30 September.
Will the good times last? That's one of the key issues to come out of the latest Federated Farmers confidence survey.
Entries opened on Monday, 5 October 2026 for the 2027 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA), which organisers describe as the nation's biggest celebration of excellence in the dairy sector.
Waikato milk processor Tatua has again declared a record milk payout to farmer shareholders, leaving other processors in the dust.
A Labour-led Government won’t be bringing back the controversial freshwater rules of 2020.
National’s much-touted free trade deal with India featured in the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek, Hamilton on Wednesday night.
New Zealand's 2026-27 freshwater fishing season has opened, with anglers encouraged to head to rivers and lakes over the coming days as conditions look favourable across much of the country.
Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.
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