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NEW ZEALAND BEEKEEPER, FEBRUARY 2017
SOUTHERN NORTH ISLAND
NELSON/UPPER SOUTH ISLAND At the moment, there is some lovely flowering of pōhutukawa around much of the Nelson coastline. That, combined with kāmahi, mānuka, and many other native trees that have flowered or are currently in flower, should have provided numerous sources of nectar for bees to gather. Most bees appear to be doing well, after an earlier tricky period where some apiaries needed a lot more feeding than normal. The recent south- westerly winds are not helping queen mating, and the weather overall still seems very unsettled. The Nelson Mail and the Stuff website have launched ‘WaspWipeout’, a community-led conservation project which aims to significantly reduce German and common wasp populations around the Nelson/Tasman region this summer. The project is aiming to promote a coordinated approach from 18–26 February, with use of the locally developed poison Vespex. They are asking for donations and volunteers. [Editor’s note: search ‘WaspWipeout’ for further information] . These media outlets have been running a series of articles highlighting the impact of wasps, with several local beekeepers mentioned. I think this is an excellent idea; the lower the wasp population, the better for bees. The Nelson Beekeepers Club recent ‘Bee Room’at the annual A&P show went well. There was plenty of public interest and excitement as always around the display hive. Other bee gear and associated equipment also provided conversation starters for those more interested. Thanks to the committee for organising bees and equipment and to those who volunteered to help on the weekend. I hope the best of the summer weather is still to come, and it remains suitable for honey collecting and all things bee like. The weather has been very fickle over November and December. Most reports from around our area say that hives have been slow to develop and the expected honey flow has not happened. Between Christmas and NewYear, we had fine hot days and the honey started to come in. As I write this it is raining again—it could be an interesting season. FIELD DAY The Southern North Island group is holding a field day in Masterton in March. Everyone is welcome, so please mark your diaries: Sunday, 12 March 2017 Kevin Gibbs’ honey house, 46 Oak Street, Masterton Focus: Varroa control There will be a full day’s programme also covering wintering down, bee pathogens, bee nutrition and other subjects. - Neil Farrer, Life Member
MID-CANTERBURY PLAINS
Since November there have been strong winds, with temperatures alternating daily between very hot and then plummeting. Syrup feeds continued later than normal to the end of November. There is quite a bit of white clover for seed crops, yet the soil temperature has not increased enough to yield nectar, although clover in roadside shingle is yielding. Those currently on the various brassica pollination contracts will need to watch the honey crop for granulation if cold air temperatures continue. Beech dew started extraction late November and continued through to late December. At the end of October and beginning of November there were fewer frosts than normal, with excellent blackcurrant and chive seed set. Giant willow aphid populations are hardly visible yet (maybe we have the cooler weather to thank for this). Canterbury A&P Show Apiculture New Zealand generously donated copies of The New Zealand BeeKeeper and beekeeping pamphlets, which were handed out to the public at the successful Christchurch Hobbyist Bee Club stand. For a few years now, John Syme, of Staveley, has been rostered to help man this popular stand for a day. A number of MPs visited the stand and were sent merrily on their way with a copy of The New Zealand BeeKeeper journal. West Coast Hobbyist Bee Club The next meeting is Saturday 18 February, Kumara Junction Café, 10.00 a.m. Topics will include a question-and-answer discussion on the honey season, preparation for end of season and wintering down. Phone Suzie Roper: 03 762 7438 or 021 251 1861. Next Canterbury Hub meeting Tuesday 21 February, Federated Farmers building, Unit 8, 35 Sir William Pickering Drive, Christchurch at 7.30 pm. Usual agenda and planning for Seminar Day (see below). All welcome. SOUTH CANTERBURY SEMINAR DAY ApiNZ’s Canterbury Hub is running a seminar day on Sunday 7 May, Clubhouse, Geraldine Golf Course. Further details to follow late February.
- Maggie James, Hub Secretary
- Jason Smith
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