It started with an idea.

The Rotorua Honey Bee Club was established over twelve years ago to promote beekeeping through local support, knowledge and education. We now have over 100 members with a good blend of experienced beekeepers and those new to beekeeping (newbees).

Each month we send out a comprehensive newsletter to members detailing what is happening in the hive and what we should be doing as beekeepers. We also meet monthly (generally on a Sunday afternoon) for a practical session. These meetings are often facilitated by an experienced commercial beekeeper. Beekeeping methods are constantly evolving and adapting to our changing environment, so it’s important to keep learning. We share our successes and mistakes with one another, working and learning together to improve our understanding of honey bees and successful hive management.

We support those new to beekeeping by assisting newbees to obtain a beehive and when requested we can set up a buddy mentoring arrangement.

Education and knowledge is important to our club. We endeavour to run a two afternoon “Introduction to Beekeeping” course in spring, as well as an American Foul Brood (DECA) course in autumn. In 2014 we facilitated a “BeeDay” where we had expert speakers and participants from throughout the North Island. In 2015 the National Beekeeping conference is in Wairakei Resort Taupo, with several club members on the organising committee. Members will also speak to schools and marae groups.

Plans are being made for a special event for 2024.