Associaton CEO, Daniel Paul, says, considering the importance of bees to NZ's economy, equating to more than $5 billion dollars through the pollination of crops and honey exports, more must be done.

 “Government is considering allowing honey imports into New Zealand from various countries. But honeys from around the world can bring in a range of pests and diseases that would pose significant bio security risks for our bees.”

The organisation is requesting gardeners plant bee-friendly plants and use more bee-friendly sprays.

 In addition to threats from pesticides, including neonicotinoids, and honey imports, the varroa mite remains a serious problem. Paul says,

 “The varroa mite is one of the biggest threats facing our Kiwi bees. It has spread throughout the country and we desperately need to contain this dangerous pest.”



The National Beekeepers Association is calling for donations to help develop a solution to the verroa mite problem and is also planning the first nationwide Bee Health survey to learn more about falling bee populations. 

“Kiwi bees need our help. In some countries, bees are dying in huge numbers. There are some concerning bee deaths here in New Zealand, but so far things aren’t as bad as they are overseas. We need to do all we can to help protect our bees to stop the situation getting worse,” Paul adds. 

“Not only do bees contribute billions of dollars to our economy, most of our food depends on pollination by bees, as do our gardens. A world without bees is just too terrible to imagine!”