Information for New Beekeepers

Everything you need to know about starting your journey into beekeeping in the Waikato.

Legal Requirement in New Zealand:

All New Zealand beekeepers are legally required to register their hives and apiary sites with the Management Agency National AFB Pest Management Plan (via HiveHub) within 30 days of placing hives.

Why Join the Waikato Club First?

Before purchasing equipment or bees, we strongly recommend attending a club meeting or hive day. As a club member, you receive:

Hands-on Hive Days: Practice handling club hives in Puketaha before committing to your own.
Mentorship Programme: Be paired with an experienced local beekeeper to guide you through your first season.
Bulk Buying Discounts: Group purchasing power on foundation, frames, hiveware, and treatments.
Monthly Meetings & Newsletter: Practical seasonal advice tailored to the Waikato climate.

Recommended Guides & Training

Essential Book: Best Practice Beekeeping Book - Hobbyist Edition
Written by members of the Waikato Beekeepers Association — benefit from the combined expertise of Sarah Cross and Dr. Mark Goodwin.
NZ Certificate in Apiculture (Level 3) – Formal vocational beekeeping qualification.

NZ Compliance & Biosecurity

HiveHub Apiary Register – Register your hive locations.
AFB Pest Management Plan – American Foulbrood recognition and reporting.
MPI Biosecurity NZ – Standards and honey processing regulations.
EPA Pollinator Incidents – Reporting pesticide and pollinator health incidents.

Beekeeping Clubs Around New Zealand

Outside the Waikato region? Find and connect with your local regional beekeeping club:

Upper & Central North Island

Lower North Island

South Island

Ready to Meet Other Local Beekeepers?

You don't need a hive to get started. Come along to our next club meeting or hive day!

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