If you have ever wanted to have your own beehive or are working or intending to work in the apiculture industry on a small scale (as a lifestyle option or part-time business opportunity) or are assisting in a commercial beekeeping operation then this programme is for you.

Once you successfully complete the programme you will own your own beehive and be able to work under limited supervision in a commercial beekeeping operation or independently in a small scale operation.

You will also be able to:

• Maintain, manipulate and operate beehives to produce quality products and pollination services.
• Assist to transport beehives and bee products and establish hives in new sites.
• Carry out a beehive disease management plan.

You will learn how to:

• Identify the regulations and safety requirements for beekeeping in New Zealand.
• Identify and explain the biological and behavioural aspects of honeybees in relation to plant biology and pollination.
• Identify and use personal protection equipment, beekeeping tools, and ancillaries.
• Construct and repair a beehive.
• Install, inspect and maintain hives throughout the seasons.
• Explain and demonstrate feeding management and maintenance requirements for bee colonies.
• Remove supers and extract honey.
• Assist transporting and establishing hives and bee products.
• Identify and explain the signs and symptoms of an ill colony.
• Explain the symptoms and lifecycles of common diseases and disorders.
• Provide recommendations to manage disease, pest and disorders identified during inspection testing.
• Describe methods and procedures used for integrated pest management (IPM) control.
• Identify and explain disease and pest chemical controls and their hazards.
• Explain and demonstrate the procedures utilised in the disinfection of hives, personal equipment and elimination of hives.

PLEASE NOTE: This programme is on hold for 2024. Register your interest for 2025 by contacting Diana Morris, Programme Administrator, on 06 830 1057 or dmorris@eit.ac.nz

Academic Learning Services is here to assist you on your journey towards the successful completion of your studies at EIT | Te Pūkenga. Our aim is for you to become confident, competent and independent learners.

We have dedicated advisors who can assist with your learning.

Find out more:

Hawke’s Bay Campus
Tairāwhiti Campus

EIT | Te Pūkenga offers a variety of scholarships across various subjects and programme levels.  Some scholarships are based on your age, some are specific to the subject you want to study.  Not all scholarships are based on your academic ability and anyone wanting to study should investigate what scholarships are available to them.  

You can find a list of EIT | Te Pūkenga scholarships here however there are many more scholarships offered nationally.  Information about these is on an database called “givME”. givME is accessible at EIT | Te Pūkenga or at some public libraries. If you would like to come to EIT | Te Pūkenga to look through the giveME database don’t hesitate to contact scholarships@eit.ac.nz or call in for a chat.