I read Dave Black’s recent article, “No More Heroes (Any More),” with a mix of appreciation and concern. Appreciation because he voices something many in the beekeeping world feel but don’t always say out loud: the creeping sense that technology is being used to make us obsolete. Concern, because the trajectory he describes is real, and if we don’t address it, the very people who sustain pollination — the growers and keepers — risk being pushed to the margins.

Listening to everybody’s comments, ideas and opinions at the recent Apiculture New Zealand (ApiNZ) AGM and Industry Forum in Christchurch, my assessment was that industry unity in one way or another was hoped for by most and that we should get our act together pronto.

Despite 107 years of family-involvement in the beekeeping industry, up until business sale and retirement in 2024, Murray Bush has been removed from industry governance roles and even industry-body membership in recent years. Therefore, standing on the middle-ground of “The Great Unwashed”, the Marlborough apiarist offers his opinion on the considerations and compromises needed to move forth greater industry representation.

Seeking an excuse to get out of the house, retired beekeeper Dave Black ventured to New Zealand Beekeeping Inc’s (NZBI) Paengaroa event on June 6, with the occasion stirring him to make some astute observations on beekeeper representation both locally and nationally.

Last month Darren Bainbridge surveyed the apicultural landscape from his position as a small-scale beekeeper and management software supplier to the industry, to detail what he saw as the failings in the status-quo of industry governance. Now, he expands on that thinking with a potential structure to consider moving forward under.

I’m an old beekeeper. That much I will admit. From my apiaries in Southland, I’ve seen the rise and rapid fall of beekeeping ...

When it comes to the future of beekeeping in New Zealand and how a national industry body should be structured, some might suggest I steer clear. But I’ve given this a lot of thought...

Great Barrier Island beekeeper Colin McLean details his growing concerns at chalkbrood in his beehives, and what he is doing to combat...

Great Barrier Island beekeeper Colin McLean assess the Honey Industry Strategy, and the state of the beekeeping industry...

Veteran beekeeper Roger Bray examines the "story" behind a jar of honey, and how he believes it is being undermined by additives...

I see this a lot: very knowledgeable operators with decades of experience, hundreds of hives, maybe even a few thousand, extraction plant...

Few of us would dispute that our industry is going through difficult times. No matter where we sit in the supply chain...

John Berry explains what effect overstocking with beehives has on bees, how to best manage against the threats and who is to blame...

The honey industry and, more specifically, mānuka honey is certainly a sticky hot mess right now; with the latest result...

Wairarapa beekeeper and ApiNZ board member Stu Ferguson is an innovator, and has been thinking over a new plan for tackling AFB...

Now, as much as ever, the issue of capturing maximum value for New Zealand’s range of honey varieties is front of industry discussions...

Without funding, research into the viability of AFB sniffer dogs is likely to go by the wayside, but SNIBG are proposing a solution...

Former AFB recognition tutor Nigel Costley poses an "acid question" on the role of AFB dogs and their recent research...

As a queen breeder I get to speak directly with a lot of beekeepers throughout the country. Clearly there are some big changes happening...

Following six years of Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) investigation, through Landcare Research’s Colony Loss Survey which...