Beekeeping

When Was Beekeeping Introduced in New Zealand: A Fascinating Historical Analysis Uncovering the Origins

When Was Beekeeping Introduced in New Zealand

Beekeeping was introduced in New Zealand in 1839 by Mary Bumby, a missionary who imported two skep hives.

Did You Know?

1. The first recorded introduction of beekeeping in New Zealand occurred in 1839, when Mary Bumby, a missionary’s sister, brought a hive of bees from England.

2. Prior to the official introduction of honey bees, Maori settlers in New Zealand collected honey from native bees, which are unique to the country. These bees, known as “stingless bees,” don’t produce as much honey as honey bees.

3. Honey production in New Zealand skyrocketed in the 1880s when Swiss settlers introduced the “Langstroth Hive” design. This hive allowed easier management and increased honey yield, revolutionizing beekeeping practices in the country.

4. Today, New Zealand is globally renowned for its high-quality manuka honey. The manuka plant, considered a “super plant,” is native to New Zealand and produces honey with exceptional antibacterial properties.

5. Beekeeping in New Zealand faced a significant setback in the mid-1880s when the Varroa mite arrived, causing widespread colony collapse. Today, New Zealand is one of the few countries globally where Varroa mite infestations have not yet been established on a national scale, due to strict biosecurity measures.

Introduction of Beekeeping in New Zealand

Beekeeping, a practice that involves the maintenance and management of bee colonies, has a rich history in New Zealand. The introduction of beekeeping to the country can be credited to the efforts of Mary Bumby, a missionary who arrived in New Zealand in 1839. Recognizing the value of bees and their role in pollination and honey production, Bumby imported two skep hives, marking the beginning of beekeeping in New Zealand.

The initial introduction of beekeeping through skep hives provided a simple and traditional method for beekeeping. These hives were made of straw or wicker and housed the bees in a domed structure. However, advancements in technology and hive design brought about significant changes in beekeeping practices in New Zealand.

Growth and Development of Commercial Beekeeping

In 1878, the Langstroth hive was introduced, marking the beginning of commercial beekeeping in New Zealand. This hive design revolutionized the industry worldwide by providing beekeepers with a more efficient and manageable system for colony maintenance. The Langstroth hive, with its removable frames and boxes, allows easy access and inspection of colonies.

Isaac Hopkins, known as the “father of beekeeping” in New Zealand, played a crucial role in the growth and development of commercial beekeeping. He made significant contributions by advocating for the importation of honeybees from Europe to enhance the local gene pool and increase honey production. Hopkins also conducted experiments on beekeeping techniques and actively promoted education and research in the field.

Some key points to remember include:

  • The Langstroth hive was introduced in 1878, marking the beginning of commercial beekeeping in New Zealand.
  • The hive design revolutionized the industry worldwide by providing a more efficient and manageable system for colony maintenance.
  • Isaac Hopkins played a crucial role in the growth and development of commercial beekeeping in New Zealand.
  • Hopkins advocated for the importation of honeybees from Europe to improve the local gene pool and increase honey production.
  • Hopkins conducted experiments on beekeeping techniques and encouraged education and research in the field.

“The Langstroth hive truly transformed beekeeping worldwide.”

Isaac Hopkins: The Father of Beekeeping in New Zealand

Isaac Hopkins is a central figure in the history of beekeeping in New Zealand. Born in England, Hopkins arrived in New Zealand in 1872 and quickly recognized the potential for beekeeping in the country. His influential work in the industry led to improved beekeeping practices, higher honey yields, and increased interest among New Zealanders.

Hopkins founded the New Zealand Beekeepers’ Association in 1889, further promoting knowledge sharing and collaboration among beekeepers. His commitment to research and education significantly advanced the beekeeping industry in New Zealand and earned him the title of the “father of beekeeping.”

Beekeeping Statistics and Honey Production in New Zealand

As of June 2016, New Zealand boasted an impressive number of beekeepers and hives. The country had 6,735 registered beekeepers who collectively owned over 600,000 hives across 42,000 apiaries. With such a vast number of hives, New Zealand enjoyed a thriving beekeeping industry.

In terms of honey production, New Zealand produced 19.8 thousand tonnes of honey in the 2015/16 season. This production level reflects the country’s commitment to beekeeping and the importance of honey as a valuable export commodity. Notably, Manuka honey, produced from the nectar of the native Manuka tree, has gained increasing importance in New Zealand and globally, with its unique antibacterial properties attracting high demand.

Moreover, New Zealand is not only an exporter of honey but also a significant exporter of live queen bees. Approximately 42,000 live queen bees and 38 tonnes of packaged bees are exported annually, indicating the country’s role in supporting beekeeping endeavors worldwide.

New Zealand had 6,735 registered beekeepers who collectively owned over 600,000 hives across 42,000 apiaries.
New Zealand produced 19.8 thousand tonnes of honey in the 2015/16 season.
Manuka honey, produced from the nectar of the native Manuka tree, has gained increasing importance in New Zealand and globally.
New Zealand is a significant exporter of live queen bees, exporting approximately 42,000 live queen bees and 38 tonnes of packaged bees annually.

Challenges and Promising Trends in New Zealand Beekeeping

The beekeeping industry in New Zealand has experienced remarkable growth, but it has faced challenges along the way. Common pests and diseases like Nosema apis and Malpighamoeba mellifica infections, as well as acarine mites, pose a threat to honeybee colonies. However, the good news is that European foulbrood, a bacterial disease affecting bee larvae, is not present in New Zealand.

  • The Green Party in New Zealand is advocating for a phase-out of pesticides that are toxic to bees. They recognize the importance of bees in pollination and ecosystem health and aim to protect and support bee populations by reducing their exposure to harmful chemicals.

Despite these challenges, the future of beekeeping in New Zealand looks promising. The industry’s growth and the increasing demand for Manuka honey demonstrate the economic potential of beekeeping. Moreover, the dedication of beekeepers, the research efforts of organizations like the New Zealand Beekeepers’ Association, and the government’s initiatives to protect bee populations contribute to the sustainability and prosperity of this vital industry.

  • The beekeeping industry in New Zealand has experienced remarkable growth.
  • Common pests and diseases pose a threat to honeybee colonies, including Nosema apis and Malpighamoeba mellifica infections, as well as acarine mites.
  • European foulbrood, a bacterial disease affecting bee larvae, is not present in New Zealand.
  • The Green Party in New Zealand is calling for a phase-out of pesticides toxic to bees.
  • Beekeepers, organizations like the New Zealand Beekeepers’ Association, and the government work together to protect bee populations.
  • The future of beekeeping in New Zealand looks promising due to industry growth and the increasing demand for Manuka honey.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When was beekeeping introduced to NZ?

Beekeeping was first introduced to New Zealand in March 1839 by Mary Bumby, who brought two hives to the Mangungu Mission Station at Hokianga. As the sister of a Methodist missionary, she played a crucial role in starting the honey bee population in the country. Her arrival marked the beginning of beekeeping in New Zealand and set the stage for the growth and development of the industry in the years that followed.

Why were bees introduced to New Zealand?

The decision to introduce honeybees to New Zealand was primarily driven by the settlers’ desire for honey production and plant pollination. With their expertise in honey production and familiarity with the benefits of bees in plant pollination, the settlers brought the golden-orange and brown species of honeybees (Apis mellifera) from England to New Zealand. This introduction took place in 1839, with the first documented instance occurring in Hokianga, Northland. By introducing bees to the country, the settlers aimed to establish a sustainable honey production industry, enhance crop yields through improved pollination, and contribute to the overall agricultural development of New Zealand.

Why did farmers in New Zealand import bees?

Farmers in New Zealand imported bees to address the need for effective crop pollination, particularly for red clover plants used as livestock forage. With no native bumble bee species, the importation of bees from the UK seemed like a logical solution. By introducing bumble bees, farmers could ensure the successful pollination of their crops, which in turn would increase the quality and yield of the red clover plants. This initiative proved to be significant not only for the farmers’ livestock forage production but also for the overall agricultural productivity in New Zealand.

What is the beekeeping industry in New Zealand?

The beekeeping industry in New Zealand is a thriving $5 billion industry that extends beyond the production of honey and bee products. Bees in New Zealand play a vital role in pollinating the country’s agricultural and horticultural sectors, contributing to the success of various crops. This symbiotic relationship between bees and agriculture highlights the significant impact of the beekeeping industry on New Zealand’s economy and food production.

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