For the Summer journal we’re highlighting the importance of fire safety when beekeeping in high-risk conditions and the great work the country’s firefighters do to keep us safe. Many of these firefighters, like Simon, are also avid beekeepers.

Simon Aarts
Coalgate Honey Co., Coalgate, Canterbury

What’s your background in beekeeping? How long have you been keeping bees, and what got you started?
Beekeeping has been in my family for four generations. It started with my great-grandparents hosting the local bee club at their hotel/pub in Holland. My Opa and Dad later kept bees commercially in Kurow for many years. When I was young, we were around bees a lot of the time and, to be fair, I didn’t really like them (certainly not the stings anyway) but as I got older my interest in them grew.

When I moved to Coalgate, I asked Dad if I could have a hive for the backyard. That rapidly grew to around 100 hives and counting, evolving into a small business that I’ve been running since about 2019.

How many hives do you run?
It depends on the time of year, but typically between 100 and 150.

What kind of honey do your bees produce?
Mainly clover and pastoral honey, with a bit of beech honey.

What is it that you enjoy about beekeeping?
I love getting out into the hills, breathing in the fresh air, and working with the bees in nature.

What is the best advice you’ve received about beekeeping?
Keep good queens, stay on top of the mites, and always make sure your bees have enough food. If you manage these three things, the bees will take care of the rest (‘ish’).

What is the biggest pitfall for new beekeepers?
The rising costs of everything, beekeeping and compliance regulations (especially around food certification) and for small operators obtaining an RMP can be daunting. It sometimes feels like compliance for compliance’s sake.

Do you have any advice for beginner beekeepers based on your own experience?
Adapt, diversify, and don’t be afraid to take a chance or try something new.

FIREFIGHTING EXPERIENCE

How long have you been a firefighter?
I’ve been a volunteer firefighter for about 17 years and a paid airport firefighter for 11 years.

What made you pursue this career?
Emergency services run in my family. My dad was in the fire brigade, my mum was involved with both the fire brigade and St. John, and my stepdad was a police officer and firefighter. Sometimes we’d all be at the same incident wearing different hats, which was always cool.

I remember as a kid being at home with my Oma. Opa came down the road, jumped out of the car, and calmly announced, “The bee shed’s on fire.” Naturally, we laughed, thinking it was a joke. A few minutes later, the fire engine sped past, followed by Dad, who was a firefighter at the time.

We arrived to find the shed fully ablaze. Opa, with a ciggie in his mouth and no PPE, was trying to salvage equipment. Despite everyone’s efforts, much of the gear was lost. It was a chaotic scene, but looking back, it’s a memory that combines both humour and the reality of running a small business.

What do you enjoy about it?

I enjoy the challenges firefighting poses, the opportunity to help and serve the community, and the chance to meet new people.

What do you think beekeepers need to be aware of when it comes to fire safety?
If you’ve seen the vegetation fires on TV recently, you’ll know they can spread incredibly fast. I recommend always carry a knapsack sprayer or something similar to deal with a small fire before it becomes a big one. Be sensible when using smokers or machinery in dry areas—if you think it might be a risk, it probably is.

What would you say to a beekeeper considering joining the fire service?
Definitely go for it! It’s a great way to meet people and build a network within your community. When I was starting out, many of my hive sites were on farms owned by people I’d met through the fire brigade. Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) also has an excellent employer recognition program that highlights your business or staff contributions to the fire service.

QUICK QUESTIONS

Favourite honey?
Our High Country Creamed Honey.

Favourite honey drink or recipe?
A gin and elderflower/honey syrup topped with soda.

Favourite beekeeping equipment?
My Instant Vap.

Favourite beekeeping book or resource?
You can’t go past Practical Beekeeping in New Zealand (Andrew Matheson and Murray Reid)

Favourite task at the apiary?
Taking honey off.