New Zealand beekeepers have reported varroa to be the most common reason for over-wintering hive losses for the first time, according to the recently released NZ Colony Loss Survey. The 2021 Survey found varroa was responsible for nearly 40% of all losses. This marks a change in the primary cause, with queen problems having [...]
Recipe supplied by Maureen Conquer Honey mead summer punch Hot summer days are perfect to enjoy a chilled honey mead punch or fresh honeyed lemonade. This is a great way to showcase some of our unique floral honey. Using the white -Sangria style, I encourage you to experiment with your favourite flavours [...]
Canterbury-based Alyssa Wilson (17) is the 2021 recipient of Apiculture New Zealand Ron Mossop Youth Scholarship in beekeeping. Alyssa topped a strong field of candidates to win the scholarship, which includes $2000 to support training and set-up costs for new beekeepers, a one-year membership with industry body Apiculture New Zealand and attendance at Apiculture [...]
Recipes supplied by Maureen Conquer Kānuka beauty products Honey has long been used in beauty products, and kānuka honey, with its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, is an excellent addition to homemade skincare products. Kānuka honey cold cream Cold cream has been around for a very long time and I just don’t mean [...]
New Zealand’s national honey production in the 2020/2021 season was down 24% on the previous season and the average honey yield per hive fell 18%, according to the 2021 Apiculture Monitoring Report released by the Ministry of Primary Industries this week. Beekeeping for the season ended June 2021 proved to be more challenging than [...]
Recipe supplied by Maureen Conquer Rewarewa honey roasted vegetables A strong flavoured only like rewarewa is the perfect choice for honey roasted vegetables. This dish is equally delicious hot from the oven or pan or served the next day cold as a salad or sandwich filling. Make use of whatever colourful vegetables [...]
What is the New Zealand Honeybee Care Code™? The New Zealand Honeybee Care Code™ specifies practices of care that ensure bees are treated humanely with their physical, health and behavioural needs taken fully into account in all aspects of beekeeping operations. Why do we need a Code? Bee health is critical to the longevity [...]
Charlotte Haskell, beekeeper apprentice, Central Otago ApiNZ Apprenticeship in Apiculture How did you get started in beekeeping? It was actually because of Covid. I was working in HR with a merino company in Wanaka, and I was made redundant along with 15 others. I was thinking about studying at a local beekeeping [...]
Recipe supplied by Maureen Conquer Beekeepers' baked honey custards Ingredients: 4 dessertspoons of tāwari or your favourite dessert honey 2 dessertspoons water 1 whole large egg 2 egg yolks 1 tsp liquid honey 250ml milk (for a very rich custard, you could make half of this cream) 1/2 tsp natural vanilla flavouring [...]
Recipe supplied by Maureen Conquer Vension Tataki Ingredients: 150 gm venison eye fillet (also could use beef or fresh fish like tuna or hapuka) 20 ml good-quality soy sauce 15 ml rice or wine vinegar 15 ml fresh lemon juice 20 ml thyme honey ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger ½ teaspoon garlic, [...]