September’s the time to Bee Aware of fuzzy food heroes

Beekeepers are calling on bee-lovers across New Zealand to learn more about the species and their contribution to the environment, food chain and economy, as part of September’s Bee Aware Month.

Bees live only four to eight weeks but during that time they fly up to 800km, the flight distance from Wellington to Bluff. 

They work tirelessly to produce just one-twelfth of a teaspoon of honey in their lifetime. At the same time they pollinate thousands of the flowers that become food on tables, pasture for farm animals and precious flora for the environment. 

Apiculture New Zealand chief executive Karin Kos is asking New Zealanders to support their hard-working bees.

“One-third of the food we eat comes from pollination due to honey bees. To put it simply, it is about one in every three bites of food,” said Kos.

“We have a healthy bee population in New Zealand, but we can’t be complacent.  Bees need our help to stay healthy and Bee Aware Month is all about encouraging people to do those small but vital things that make a real difference.”

 These steps can be as simple as planting bee-friendly plants like wildflowers, providing clean water for bee rehydration, choosing bee-friendly pesticides and spraying safely.

 Bee Aware Month is a national educational campaign initiated and co-ordinated by Apiculture NZ. Beekeeping clubs and supporters around the country will be visiting schools and running events. 

Educational resources produced for schools, community groups and families to use are available on the Apiculture New Zealand website.