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.