Keeping Bees Alive: Key Insights from New Zealand’s Colony Loss Survey
- Team Mānuka Orchard
- Jul 28
- 2 min read
At the recent Manuka Orchard Open Day, Dr Pike Stahlmann-Brown, from the newly formed Bioeconomy Science Institute, shared key findings from the 2024 New Zealand Colony Loss Survey. This nationwide research provides an annual snapshot of hive health, management practices, and the challenges facing beekeepers across the country.
The Bioeconomy Science Institute, launched on 1 July 2025, brings together AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research, and Scion into one unified Crown Research Institute. With over 1,500 scientists and researchers, the Institute works alongside industry, iwi, government, and communities to grow and protect New Zealand’s bioeconomy through science, innovation, and practical solutions.
One of the central topics in Pike’s talk was the ongoing fight against Varroa. The survey data shows that two-thirds of commercial beekeepers are treating twice or more during autumn - a sign of how seriously Varroa pressure is being managed. The science is clear: mite populations grow exponentially, so proactive, consistent treatment is essential to keep colonies viable and productive.
As Pike explained, systematic testing is critical:
“If you leave treatment too long, your varroa can overwhelm your colonies even if you treat, so getting the timing right can be really important.”
The survey also provides a unique view of industry practices, including how many beekeepers are operating in New Zealand and the size of their operations by hive numbers. This information is not only valuable for beekeepers but also for understanding the wider economic and environmental importance of the sector. One particularly encouraging insight from 2024 was that colony loss rates were significantly down. Pike contrasted this with overseas data, noting:
“The big story was the fact that colony loss rates were down significantly. Contrast this with the US, where over 60% of colonies were lost during an eight-month period, and you realise that we’re doing a pretty good job of it in NZ. I hope we continue to see falling loss rates! But the fight against varroa is difficult, and beekeepers should be commended for doing their part no matter what happens to loss rates.”
With the 2025 Colony Loss Survey launching on 1 September, Pike encouraged all beekeepers - large and small - to take part. The more voices represented, the better the industry can track changes, understand emerging risks, and plan effective responses to keep hive losses as low as possible.
From Logan: “Keeping bees healthy isn’t just about the success of individual beekeepers, it’s about protecting the pollination services that keep our crops, and the whole food and fibre sector, thriving. Without strong, healthy hives, New Zealand’s agriculture would face serious challenges.”
For more information on the newly formed Bioeconomy Science Institute, check out their website here