Beekeeping in New Zealand

New Zealand's beekeeping industry is one of the most progressive in the world. AsureQuality manages two Pest Management Strategies for the National Beekeepers' Association (NBA) and the Varroa Agency Incorporated (VAI). We also carry out surveillance and emergency response contracts for Biosecurity New Zealand and provide export verification on behalf of the NZ Food Safety Authority (NZFSA). AsureQuality is the major verifier of Risk Management Programmes for companies who process, handle or store bee products. 

Varroa Mite Control

The varroa mite (Varroa destructor) is an external parasitic mite that is potentially lethal to the honey bee. Varroa has a worldwide distribution, and is a very serious bee parasite as it can kill bee colonies. It has not been found in Australia and the Pacific Islands. The varroa mite was discovered in New Zealand in April 2000 and is now widely spread throughout the North Island. 

Most of the South Island, and some offshore islands, like the Chathams and Stewart Island, are free of varroa and a surveillance programme has been established that is designed to detect an incursion at a stage where eradication could be considered.

Movement controls are in place to help slow the spread of varroa:

• Movement of bees and queens from the North Island to the South Island is strictly prohibited.
• Movement of bulk bee products and used beekeeping equipment from the North Island to the South Island is controlled and can only occur under permit (permits are available from an Apiculture Officer - please call 0508 00 11 22 or refer to www.varroa.org.nz for more information).
• Movement of retail bee products is not controlled and these products can move freely.

Shipping and freight movements from the North Island to the South Island pose a significant risk of transporting bees and swarms containing varroa. If you suspect an importation of bees into the South Island, either illegally or accidentally, or you suspect your South Island hives have varroa mite then contact your AsureQuality Apiculture Officer on 0508 00 11 22 or the MAF O800 80 99 66 Disease Hot Line immediately.