Sat, 21 Jun 2008 22:04:53 -0500 http://www.nba.org.nz/ National Beekeepers' Assn of NZ en-us http://www.nba.org.nz/images/logo.jpg http://www.nba.org.nz/ nickw@beekeeping.co.nz http://www.nba.org.nz/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=420 Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India , Kashmir Apiary Exports and Lee Bee International Institute of Beekeeping at Doraha , Ludhiana, Punjab, India jointly plan to hold an International Beekeeping Conference in a five star hotel in New Delhi during February, 2009 (Exact dates to be circulated in first announcement). Main objective of this conference besides scientific and technical programme is to provide opportunity to the beekeepers from different countries to exchange beekeeping experiences and knowledge amongst themselves and to learn from each others success stories and failures on all aspects of practical beekeeping. Sat, 21 Jun 2008 22:04:53 -0500 http://www.nba.org.nz/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=418 MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) is currently consulting with bee industry representatives on the South Island varroa situation and the remaining two years of the four-year varroa response programme which began in June 2006. MAFBNZ met with the executives of the National Beekeepers Association (NBA) and the Bee Industry Group of Federated Farmers (BIG) in Christchurch at the end of May. A forum was held during the Federated Farmers Bees Conference 2008 in Cromwell this week. A further meeting is planned with beekeeper representatives from regions around the South Island at the beginning of July. So far, stakeholders are saying they would like MAFBNZ response activities to focus on maintaining movement controls. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:50:53 -0500 http://www.nba.org.nz/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=417 You can listen to this Radio New Zealand report featuring Dr Mark Goodwin at: http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/national/aft/honey_bees_in_danger. Wed, 18 Jun 2008 20:28:54 -0500 http://www.nba.org.nz/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=415 16 June 2008 GOLDEN GATE LODGE, CROMWELL 10.30am till 4.30 or 5pm. COST: $25 per person to cover morning and afternoon tea and room hire MORNING TEA: From 9.30am At a bee products council meeting on the 13th May, it was moved that the council wanted to be involved with the current review, which has been started by the NZ Food and Safety Association. This review will include queen production and organic sugar feeding, and works towards equivalent EU standard which has proven successful for organic certifiers and exporters in other sectors. This meeting is organised for organic producers to meet those involved and discuss problems they are having at the present time. NZ beekeepers export approximately 3 million dollars worth of product at the present time, which could increase fourfold if the present problems facing the industry can be overcome. Mon, 09 Jun 2008 16:05:37 -0500 http://www.nba.org.nz/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=413 NATIONAL BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION HOBBY PROGRAMME 2008 Sunday 13th July All hobbyist or new beekeepers welcome 9.30 am Cup of tea and welcome 10.00 Biology of the Bee (Frank Lindsay) 10.20 Siting your Apiary: local regulations (Neale Braithwaite) (Wellington/Masterton/Palmerston North) Note: all Councils are reviewing their by-laws) 10.40 Purchasing hives and equipment etc: three-quarter or full-depth hives (Neil Farrer) 11.00 Queen rearing simplified (Gary Jeffery) 11.20 Spring requeening versus autumn requeening (David Cramp) 11.40 Varroa treatments: ‘alternatives’ (Frank Lindsay) LUNCH (1 hour: lunch provided) 1.00 pm Seasonal requirements of the bee (James Driscoll) 1.20 Honey processing (Anne Hulme) 1.40 Food hygiene regulations (Jim Sim, NZ Food Safety Authority) 2.00 Exotic disease (Byron Taylor) 2.20 AFB National Pest Management Strategy overview (Rex Baynes. Manager) 2.40 How to attract new members to your club (Carol Downer, Auckland Branch) 3.00 Panel discussion from the floor 3.30 Closing and thanks to the chair Sunday 13th July Active Manuka Honey Association The AMHA Seminars are open to all members of the beekeeping industry Seminar One 11am – 12 Noon Medsafe & Claims (Please bring a copy of your website and promotion material) Seminar Two 1 pm – 2 pm Processing Validation AMHA AGM 2 pm (Closed meeting: AMHA members only) Monday 14 July Specialty Group Meetings Open to all the beekeeping Industry 9 - 10 am Review of the Organic Regulations Pertaining to Exports Kay Shapland - NZFSA This review carries on from an earlier meeting held at the BIG conference 10 -12 Noon New Zealand Queen Bee Producers Association 1 – 3 pm New Zealand Packers and Honey Exporters Association 3.15 - 5 pm New Zealand Honey Bee Pollination Association General meeting and AGM 6.30 pm Mix & Mingle in the Evening 7.00 pm Meet our overseas Guest Speaker: Des Cannon, Australia – Australian research projects and their funding Tuesday 15 July 8.00am Opening of the conference by the Mayor of Masterton 8.30 am–3 pm NBA AGM Seminar 3.30 - 4 pm Honey Marketing – John Rawcliff 4.00 - 5 pm Bee Products Standard Council & Discussion Follows on from the April meeting 6.00 pm Sponsors’ Evening & Presentations Wednesday 16 July National Pest Management Strategy Programme 8.30 am Welcome - Frans Laas 8.35 am AFB NPMS Manager’s Report - Rex Baynes 9.15 am Helicopter Surveillance Exercise - Frans Laas 9.45 am Morning Tea 10.15 am Annual Report – AsureQuality - Byron Taylor 10.45 am New Zealand Food Safety Authority - Greg Zemke-Smith 11.15 am Open Forum - Delegates 12.15 am Closure - Frans Laas Note: The programme and timing maybe subject to minor alterations Woman’s bus trip leaves 9.30 am to 4.30 pm Visits a number of places of interest including the Paua Factory and time for shopping. Lunch at the Gladstone Hotel. Afternoon Bus trip 12.noon to 4.30pm Late Barbeque lunch at the Tui Brewery - escorted visited through the factory – sampling. Wine and splits for those that don’t drink beer. Note that suitable footwear must be worn as there could be broken glass on the floor. For those not interested in shopping or seeing the sights, it is hoped that videos of the best presentations from Apimondia and the New South Wales 2008 conference will be screened for a couple of hours. Conference Dinner (Formal dress) & Entertainment (Special Location) 6pm - Bus pick up from Hotel and Motels by arrangement only DON’T FORGET YOUR CAMERA! Thursday 16 July Seminars - technology in beekeeping 8.30 Remote hive weighing Des Cannon 9.00 BeeSpeak- Acoustic monitoring of hives - Clive Mitchell 9.30 Harvest Electronics - Remote weather stations – Peter Munn 10 am Morning tea 10.30 Protecting NZ honey: proof of origin (James Driscoll) 11.00 Climate change: the insurance effect and impact on the beekeeping industry (Wayne Thomas, FMG) 11.30 Tutin – results to date (Jim Sim, NZFSA) 12.00 Lunch Seminars - where are we going 1.00 Manuka Honey Testing Procedures – Gordana Aleksic-NZLabs 1.30 Current research at the University of Waikato (Prof Peter Molan) 2.00 Possible bio-control of Varroa-Dr Mark Goodwin 2.30 E.F.B possible effect on NZ beekeeping - Murray Reid 3 pm Afternoon tea 3.30 Chemical Resistant Varroa - Dr Mark Goodwin 4.00 Small Hive Beetle in Australia - Des Cannon 4.30 Questions Sat, 07 Jun 2008 16:35:20 -0500 http://www.nba.org.nz/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=411 The NBA invites you to attend a 1 day seminar sponsored by the Sustainable Farming Fund Please note: All beekeepers are welcome. There is no charge to attend When & Where: Thursday, 5th June Conference Centre, Telford Rural Polytechnic Friday 6th June Greyway Lounge, Timaru Racecourse Time: 10.00am to 4.30pm Coffee & tea and a light lunch will be provided The NBA will bring experienced North Island beekeepers to present a “hands on” approach. ………………………………………………………………… You must RSVP by 5.00pm Thursday 29 May to: Pam Edwards by e-mail secretary@nba.org.nz or Fax (06) 362 6302 Speakers: Mary Anne Thomason and James Ward Managing Varroa in a Large Operation Neil Farrer Budgeting Alternative treatments currently approved in New Zealand Barry Foster Organic methods of Varroa control. Jane and Tony Lorimer Oxalic acid treatments and the Organic trial. Sun, 25 May 2008 20:12:24 -0500 http://www.nba.org.nz/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=410 Date: 14th June 2008 Venue: Paengaroa Hall, Old Coach Rd, Paengaroa 9.30am – 4.00pm Cost: NBA Members free please show your card. Non members $5 entry. Lunch is available at $4 Steak Sandwich $2 Sausage and Bread. Tea and Coffee complimentary Topics: Morning Session: Industry Focus Colin Baskin Kyoto Comvita Neil Cameron Spray Issues Industry Group Zespri Industry update Byron Taylor RMP’s Assure Quality Afternoon Session: Tutu, Tutin and Toxic Honey Mark Goodwin Hort Research Workshop session on what Tutu looks like Jim Sim NZSFA Jim Edwards NBA Look forward to seeing you all there Wed, 21 May 2008 20:05:48 -0500 http://www.nba.org.nz/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=408 The NBA invites you to attend a 1 day seminar sponsored by the Sustainable Farming Fund Please note: All beekeepers are welcome. There is no charge to attend When & Where: Thursday, 5th June Conference Centre, Telford Rural Polytechnic Friday 6th June Greyway Lounge, Timaru Racecourse Time: 10.00am to 4.30pm Coffee & tea and a light lunch will be provided The NBA will bring experienced North Island beekeepers to present a “hands on” approach. ………………………………………………………………… You must RSVP by 5.00pm Thursday 29 May to: Pam Edwards by e-mail secretary@nba.org.nz or Fax (06) 362 6302 Thu, 15 May 2008 22:02:15 -0500 http://www.nba.org.nz/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=406 MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) has established a new South Island Controlled Area to protect beekeeping operations in the West Coast, Canterbury and areas further south, from varroa which was found at St Arnaud, outside the previous South Island Controlled Area, three weeks’ ago. The new South Island Controlled Area comes into force at 4pm today, Tuesday 13 May, and covers the northern part of Westland; Grey, Buller; Tasman; Nelson; Marlborough; and part of north Canterbury. “This is an interim measure and stakeholders will be consulted during May and June regarding the future of this Controlled Area,” said MAFBNZ Incursion Response Manager, Richard Norman. Tue, 13 May 2008 14:38:28 -0500 http://www.nba.org.nz/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=405 The last night’s show on 60 minutes in Australia showcased Varroa destructor in the European Honeybee. You are able to view a compressed version of the program at the following link: http://sixtyminutes.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=560012. Sun, 11 May 2008 22:21:35 -0500 http://www.nba.org.nz/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=403 MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) will revoke the current South Island Nelson-Marlborough Controlled Area and the internal line separating Nelson and Marlborough. The new South Island Controlled Area replacing it will cover: the northern part of Westland; Grey, Buller; Tasman; Nelson; Marlborough; and part of north Canterbury. The new controlled area notice comes into effect at 4pm on Tuesday 13th May. Letters have been sent to all registered South Island beekeepers advising them of the change. The Controlled Area Notice and map was published in the New Zealand Gazette on Thursday 8 May and will be published in the public notice sections of the Nelson Mail, The Press, and the Otago Daily Times on Saturday 10 May 2008. Information will also be available on the MAFBNZ website www.biosecurity.govt.nz. Beekeepers directly affected by the new Controlled Area are being contacted individually. Sun, 11 May 2008 16:18:34 -0500 http://www.nba.org.nz/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=402 Agribusiness Training based on NZQA unit standards If you fit in to one of these categories and want to gain the knowledge and skills to be able to work with hives then this is the course for you: • Interested in working in the beekeeping industry • Looking to increase pollination of crops • Wanting to keep bees as a hobby Read the brochure ... Wed, 07 May 2008 22:00:50 -0500 http://www.nba.org.nz/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=400 Important notice to all South Island Beekeepers The arrival of Varroa on the south side of the current containment control area is significant and accordingly the following recommendations are made to all South Island beekeepers. Beekeepers operating within the current containment control area are requested to maintain and honour the movement control programme that is in place, and to continue to manage their beekeeping operations in the same diligent manner as we have seen since 2006. It is appreciated that the controlled area will be expanded on the 13th May, however the breach of the control line is isolated at this point and until there is notification to the contrary, it is imperative that the act of beekeeping does not speed up Varroa movement southward. Co-operation by all parties is imperative and valued by both beekeeping and the greater farming community. Canterbury beekeepers who currently operate seasonal apiaries on the East and West Coast of the South Island and who have had or who currently have hives on the West Coast this season, should take utmost precaution when moving hives or honey supers back to their East Coast operations. Thu, 01 May 2008 16:05:14 -0500 http://www.nba.org.nz/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=398 Source: Varroa bee mite has been found at several apiary sites near St Arnaud, just outside the Nelson-Marlborough Varroa Controlled Area boundary, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) said today. The mite was found during the annual MAFBNZ South Island apiary surveillance programme, which began in mid-April. “Affected beekeepers have put voluntary movement controls in place and are using quarantine and treatment measures for varroa across their operations,” said MAFBNZ Incursion Response Manager, Richard Norman. “To protect beekeeping operations from varroa in the West Coast, Canterbury and areas further south, MAFBNZ will replace the current Nelson-Marlborough Controlled Area with a new Controlled Area covering: the northern part of the West Coast; Buller; Tasman; Nelson; Marlborough; and part of North Canterbury. Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:40:32 -0500 http://www.nba.org.nz/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=396 MONDAY 14th JULY 2008 Copthorne Hotel & Resort Solway Park MASTERTON 10am - 12 NZ Queen Bee Producer Association General Meeting followed by AGM 1pm - 3pm NZ Honey Packers & Exporters Association AGM 3.15 - 5pm NZ Honey Bee Pollination Association General Meeting followed by AGM All welcome. Sun, 27 Apr 2008 22:38:24 -0500 http://www.nba.org.nz/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=393 Carol Downer is passionate about bees and says even city people can happily have their own hives. Listen to the interview on Radio New Zealand (duration: 12′22″) Sun, 20 Apr 2008 19:15:15 -0500 http://www.nba.org.nz/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=389 Honey lovers throughout the world should have no concerns about devouring their favourite New Zealand condiment. That’s the message from the Bee Products Standards Council, which says the recent spate of illnesses after people ate poisoned honey is highly regrettable, but it was an extremely rare occurrence. “This particular case appears to have been limited to honey produced by one local supplier,” said Council Chairman, Dr Jim Edwards. Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:26:48 -0500 http://www.nba.org.nz/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=388 New Zealand’s honey industry could be under attack from introduced bee diseases, if the Biosecurity and Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Legislation Amendment Bill is passed. National Beekeepers Association Waikato Branch spokesperson, Russell Berry, said the Amendment Bill which is due for its final reading this week would effectively disregard a Court of Appeal ruling, and could potentially prove disastrous for the country’s multi-million dollar honey business and food producing sectors that rely on bees for pollination. In 2007, the beekeeping industry won a Court of Appeal action making it unlawful for MAF to allow new organisms such Paenibacillus alvei (P.alvei) a disease of bees, to enter New Zealand. “It affirmed that the only body with power to approve the introduction of new organisms into the country was the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA).” Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:44:19 -0500 http://www.nba.org.nz/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=387 The Auckland Branch will be holding a meeting at Ceracell Beekeeping Supplies Ltd on Tuesday evening April 8 2008 starting 7.30 PM. We will be showing on Big screen the Documentary DVD "Silence of the Bees" produced by National Geographic, all Beekeepers are invited, bee club members are welcome to attend this recommended and superbly presented Documentary on the urgent mystery of the disappearance of the Bees in America and Europe,commonly called CCD and what is being done. Find out how one country are pollinating their crops since their bees disappeared as early as 1980. Agenda (1)Update on the "Biosecurity and Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Legislation Amendment Bill from those who represented the Auckland Branch and spoke before the Select Committee at Parliament. (2)Toxic Honey Please pass the word about the above showing. Bob Russell Secretary Auckland Branch. Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:44:02 -0500 http://www.nba.org.nz/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=386 With the introduction of Varroa mites to New Zealand our Ruakura based apiculture team is focussed on ensuring that honey bees remain a viable source of pollination for plants and horticultural crops. The team currently has a vacancy for a researcher to contribute to a range of projects in apiculture and pollination. This will involve the collection and analysis of field and laboratory data, the reporting of results and contributions to experimental design. You’ll need to hold a relevant BSc or equivalent qualification and have practical experience in apiculture and field-based research. Experience in pollination research would be an added advantage. Of course you’ll be comfortable working with bees and wasps and will be able to work with flexibility when occasional after-hours work is required. Please visit our website www.hortresearch.co.nz for more information including application details. To apply, send your application details, C.V. and a covering letter to Human Resources, Private Bag 92 169 Auckland or vacancies@hortresearch.co.nz Please quote vacancy number 1058. Applications close 11th April 2008. Read the Position Description. Sun, 30 Mar 2008 15:23:13 -0500 http://www.nba.org.nz/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=385 New: Reminder about the risks from toxic honey http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/publications/media-releases/2008/2008-03-27-honey.htm Further press release reminding the public about the risks from toxic honey. Updated: Background on toxic honey http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/animalproducts/publications/info-pamphlet/bee-products/toxic-honey.htm Information pamphlet "Background on toxic honey" has been updated. New: Toxic honey - Notice for Beekeepers http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/animalproducts/subject/bee-products/notice-to-beekeepers-apa-act.htm New: Toxic honey information for beekeepers and apiarists http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/animalproducts/subject/bee-products/letter-to-beekeepers-march-2008.htm Letter to bee keepers reminding them of their responsibilities about toxic honey. Updated: Bee Products http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/animalproducts/subject/bee-products/index.htm Information about the Animal Products Act and its application to beekeepers and those trading and processing bee products. Thu, 27 Mar 2008 11:18:35 -0500 http://www.nba.org.nz/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=384 Source: If you have purchased comb honey from the Coromandel Peninsula since early January this year, please check with the supplier that the honey has been harvested in accordance with requirements. If people are in any doubt about comb honey they have purchased that may have been harvested in the past three months (the high-risk period) they are advised to not consume it. This is the message from the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) today. NZFSA is also advising people that if they feel they may have suffered illness associated with honey, to contact their local doctor and provide any information relating to recent consumption of honey from the risk area. They are requested to hold any samples of the suspect honey at home and contact the Public Health Unit at their local District Health Board who will advise on further action. Toxic comb honey from the Coromandel appears to have been implicated in a number of cases of illness throughout the country over the past week. The honey was sold from three outlets in Whangamata: Quarry Orchard, Valley Orchards and Meat at the Beach. The toxin causing the problems comes from the native tutu bush and is incorporated into honey when bees gather honeydew produced by the sap sucking vine hopper insect (Scolypopa sp) feeding on tutu plants. This year’s hot dry conditions, with a shortage of food for bees, is thought to have led to increased honeydew consumption. NZFSA will be testing the samples of suspect honey as soon as possible and is keen to gather further information about what is happening. NZFSA is today writing to all beekeepers to remind them of their obligations in regard to selling honey. Previous audits of the system have indicated beekeepers in general are well informed about the requirements, but given the current concerns, they are being reminded of these. Waikato District Health Board has activated a helpline and people seeking further health information can contact them on 0800 276216. Tue, 25 Mar 2008 13:53:22 -0500 http://www.nba.org.nz/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=383 The National Beekeepers’ Association is very concerned about the report of tutin toxicity in the Coromandel. We are actively working with the New Zealand Food Safety Authority in the investigation of this problem. Beekeepers collect honey immediately the nectar flow finishes, or sooner to prevent any toxic honeydew being collected. Comb honey poses a greater risk because honey is eaten directly from the comb and so increases the chance of consuming honey with a high concentration of tutin. The current problem appears to involve honey comb produced in the Whangamata area. Do not eat comb honey harvested from hives or from wild bee colonies in the Coromandel since December. It should not be disposed of where bees can find it and take it back to their hives. Honey comb should be returned to the point of sale or you can drop it off to: The Whangamata Medical Centre 103 Lincoln Road Whangamata Hours: 9.00am - 1.00pm weekend hours 9.00am - 5.00pm week days Tel: (07) 865 8032 Tutin toxicity in honey results from honey bees gathering honeydew exudate from the sap-sucking insect commonly known as the passion vine hopper, when these vine hoppers have been feeding on the sap of tutu (Coriaria arborea) bushes. Toxic honey is a rare event and is more likely to occur when comb honey is eaten directly from a hive that has been harvesting honeydew from passion vine hoppers feeding on tutu plants. There are a number of control measures beekeepers need to be aware of that are described in an Information Pamphlet. Read the Information Pamphlet ... Jim Edwards Chief Executive Officer Tel: (06) 362 6301 or (021) 631 447 Sat, 22 Mar 2008 16:55:44 -0500 http://www.nba.org.nz/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=380 Prepared by MAF, February 2008 Contents Introduction Contacts for information and advice Lessons from past droughts Business Management Farm Management Make decisions for the right reasons Tax Management Buffering Business for the Future Animal welfare Human Factors Warning bells Help for affected farmers Read more ... Tue, 18 Mar 2008 21:15:01 -0500 http://www.nba.org.nz/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=379 Annual General Meeting Notice of Meeting to be held on Monday 14th April in the AsureQuality, conference room Batchelor Centre Palmerston North at 10am 10am Cup of Tea 10.30 Welcome by the President Agenda 1. Apologies 2. Minutes of the last AGM 3. Matters arising 4. Correspondence Inwards - Outwards 5. Financial Report 6. Presidents Report 7. Election of Officers 8. Ward representative 9. Notices of Motion to Conference (Get your thinking caps on) 10. General Business A general meeting of the branch will follow the AGM with updates on what is going on in the NBA and on how planning is going for the NBA July Conference in Masterton. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND PLEASE LET EITHER NEIL FARRER Ph 06 343 6248 OR FRANK LINDSAY Ph 04 478 3367 KNOW. Tue, 18 Mar 2008 20:56:06 -0500