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NEW ZEALAND BEEKEEPER, MARCH 2017
FROM THE COLONIES REGIONAL REPORTS
WAIKATO
BAY OF PLENTY
There is not much to say in this report other than that crop yields are one third to two thirds of the usual, with mānuka yields very low. Clover is flowering now (early February) but there’s no sign of pennyroyal, which seems to have been the norm for the past four years. Mites are showing up in hives and treatments need to be in quickly or it will be too late. The best thing will be for all of us to get together for commiseration but more importantly, learning and fellowship. Do take note of the notice below. We look forward to meeting with fellow beekeepers at our field day.
It has been a challenging season for beekeeping, with the cold southwesterly causing huge problems for any of the early honey flows. I haven’t heard of any good results from Northland, Coromandel or the East Coast. We certainly haven’t had the storms of the South Island and I imagine it has been challenging down there as well. I have noticed a lot of overstocking of hives in areas, which certainly will cause problems for landowners and beekeepers alike. Wasps are starting to get stronger and I have had great success using Vespex® to wipe them out. We look forward to a warm autumn to assist our hives to get ready for winter. The weather has now warmed up but late flower sources are limited.
WAIKATO HUB FIELD DAY Elim Church at theWharf, Thames, on Saturday, 8 April 2017, 9 am to 4 pm Entry fee $20/head, payable in cash on the day.
All are welcome from Hubs and clubs, as well as those who are not part of any organisation. We have a great line-up of speakers on topics which will appeal and provide information to all, particularly those who are new entrants to the industry and those looking to have a commercial future. A range of tradespeople will be invited to display and sell their products. The Elim Church venue is located just over the bridge coming in to Thames, formerly part of the Toyota factory. Turn left about 100 metres after the bridge; good parking. Food will be available for purchase all day at $2 per item, plus hot drinks at $2, with free refills. The church folk are expert caterers: beautiful fresh home-cooked food. All profits go to charity.
- Bruce Lowe
HAWKE’S BAY
While most of the country is cold and wet, we have been bathed in endless sunshine and 30°C days. The big dry has got worse and it is now common to see trees starting to die. Honey crops go from below average to non-existent and worse, with gross overstocking in most areas not helping. The drought has got bad enough that it will take a long time for pastures to recover and it will have an effect for several years. Tutu is also causing problems again this year and it is imperative that you get your honey tested.
- Pauline Bassett, Life Member
In last month's Waikato report, Pauline Bassett wrote that bronze beetles were eating manuka petals. Jody Mitchell took this photo of a bronze beetle chewing flowers and new shoots in Taranaki.
- John Berry, Hub President
SOUTHERN NORTH ISLAND
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
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