This coming spring / early summer is shaping up to be largely favourable for honey production in the North Island, with warm temperatures, enough moisture, and (fingers crossed) a weak La Niña influence.

Our time here at Apimondia 2025 is in full swing, and the Manuka Orchard team continues to work hard on the stand - meeting people, generating leads, and creating new opportunities for honey sales across a wide mix of countries.

Logan, Tania and the kids, have touched down in Copenhagen, Denmark, for Apimondia 2025 - the world’s largest gathering of beekeepers, honey producers, scientists, and industry leaders.

Field trials reveal strong Varroa control options, with Nassenheider and BQ Swedish Cloth strips showing promising results. Oliver Smith of Beequip NZ highlights the importance of pairing proven treatments with vigilant, regular monitoring—catching mites early before infestations overwhelm colonies. A mix of the right tools and timing can help Kiwi beekeepers stay ahead of Varroa and protect hive health.

The Manuka Orchard Open Day once again proved to be more than just an industry catch-up, it was a place where ideas were shared, connections strengthened, and the passion for bees, honey, and agriculture shone through.

At the recent Manuka Orchard Open Day, Shane Max, Zespri’s Head of Global Extension, shared a forward-looking update on the role bees play in New Zealand’s kiwifruit industry, and the importance of strong beekeeper–grower partnerships as the sector continues to expand.

John Mackay from dnature diagnostics & research presented research at the Manuka Orchard Open Day, showing that hive swabbing, particularly at the entrance, can detect AFB spores before clinical signs appear, giving beekeepers time to act and protect both hives and honey.

Technology company GPSit representative Khan Greig presented at the Manuka Orchard Open Day, sharing how technology can take the guesswork out of hive placement in orchards - and thereby boosting pollination results and improving communication between growers and beekeepers.

Dr Pike Stahlmann-Brown, from the newly formed Bioeconomy Science Institute, shared key findings from the 2024 New Zealand Colony Loss Survey, at the recent Manuka Orchard Open Day.