Two Empty Seats Await Commercial Beekeepers on AFB Board

With two vacancies emerging on their board, the recently formed New Zealand Bee Health and Biosecurity Trust (NZBB) have put the call out to commercial beekeepers – ‘we want you’. In recent years applicants have been thin on the ground, but the current chair is hoping recent interest in their move to a new independent model of governance will entice more to step forward.

The newly titled New Zealand Bee Health and Biosecurity agency for managing AFB has two open positions on the board now available to commercial beekeepers.

Some beekeepers were aggrieved at the manner in which NZBB formed from the previous American Foulbrood (AFB) Pest Management Plan Management Agency in June, specifically questioning the Minister for Biosecurity’s decision to choose a Trust over an incorporated society for the cause (as detailed in Blindsided Beekeepers See red at AFB PMP Change). Among the complaints was the so called ‘self appointing’ nature of the board (aka Trustees). Now, only a month on, commercial beekeepers have their opportunity to apply to join the board.

The former AFB Management Agency currently has a vacancy for a commercial beekeeper, and with hobbyist beekeeper Jane Röllin reaching the end of her term the decision to open the seat to another commercial beekeeper has been made – meaning there are two seats available to those who call beekeeping their job.

“We have been carrying a vacancy for some time and are also recognising the fact commercial beekeepers want greater representation at the board,” says chair Mark Dingle, himself a hobbyist beekeeper.

Both Dingle and fellow small-scale beekeeper and deputy chair Val Graham will see their second three-year term, and therefore last, end next August. Meaning, there will likely be a hunt on for two new hobbyist apiarists to fill seats in a year’s time. The board as currently comprised is rounded out by three commercial beekeepers in Murray Elwood, Trent Profitt and Lubomir Dudek.

“Historically we have had low levels of interest in applying for board roles from beekeepers generally, and commercial in particular. Perhaps it is because they realise, apart from a small honorarium, they are not doing it for the money, but it is about giving back to the industry,” Dingle says, having done so himself since 2020.

While a “commercial beekeeper” or two are sought, owning or managing more than 250 beehives is only the first point on a list of 16 “skill-sets, experience, and attributes” as set out as ideal for NZBB Trustees.

“Primarily we want people with the right skills to apply, and it extends beyond beekeeping. Have they got financial nous? Do they have strategic nous? Do they understand AFB control systems? How have they responded and developed it in their own systems?” Dingle says.

Beekeepers deserve the best, Dingle believes, and hence he wants to see as many qualified beekeepers apply before the August 10 cutoff as possible. From there an external consultant will screen applicants before making a recommendation for consideration by the board.

Under the new NZBB there is also the potential to form an ‘advisory group’ or groups, to the board. So far, progress has been made on what the terms of reference for this group might be, but that’s as far as it has got.

“The shape and form that might take, we are still working through,” Dingle says.

“There are all sorts of questions to ask around whether it is an ad-hoc group to provide feedback on a specific issue the sector considers to be a priority, or whether they see it as being a standing group that has extensive beekeeping networks maybe. We haven’t worked out what it looks like yet, or how it is to be appointed.”

Commercial beekeepers considering applying to the vacant NZBB Board positions are advised to consult the Board Member Role Description and Board Member Skills List documents, before submitting a curriculum vitae, cover letter, and names of three references by email to info@nzbb.org.nz or post to PO Box 88, Rolleston 7643. Closing date is 5pm August 10.