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Bee Aware Month 2018 was a hive of activity, with events and activities happening all over the country to celebrate our Kiwi bees.
Our Schools’ Build a Hive Competition 2018 was a great success with colourful and creative entries coming in from all over New Zealand. The team at ApiNZ had a tough task choosing who would win the fantastic prizes supplied by our sponsors. These included a full beehive set, kindly donated by Tunnicliffe’s Timber and Ceracell Beekeeping Supplies and Mitre 10 gift vouchers.
Mahora School in Hastings took out first place, while second place went to PK Oscar After School Care in Gisborne. Third place was awarded to Riwaka School in Motueka. This year, we also offered a People’s Choice prize for the Build a Hive Competition which was voted for by our Facebook followers; PK Oscar After School Care took out this prize.
Councils around New Zealand were strong supporters of BAM, with 18 councils requesting wildflower seed packs, as well as well as numerous community groups, schools and businesses around the country. Wellington City Council hosted demonstration events at the Wellington Botanic Garden and a week-long lunchtime presentation series at the main council building.
ApiNZ shared the Bee Aware message with thousands of visitors to the Wellington Home and Garden Show at the end of September, thanks to support from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Our Bee Aware Month Facebook page received lots of views and likes, with over 4,000 people signing up to follow our events and more than 26,000 reached through the page. Our Bee-Knowledgable Quizzes and People’s Choice vote on the Build a Hive competition were particularly popular.
We would like to acknowledge our sponsors, Mitre 10, De Winkel and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) for their support.