With the growing awareness of the importance of our buzzing pollinators, more and more people are asking, “Should I learn the art of beekeeping and set up a hive in my backyard?” Beekeeping isn’t just a rewarding hobby—it’s also a way to contribute to the wellbeing of one of nature’s most essential workers. If you’re interested in a hands-on way to help, beekeeping could be an ideal option.
In recent years, beekeeping has seen a remarkable rise in popularity. Just fifteen years ago, there were around 300,000 hives in New Zealand; today, the number has swelled to over 700,000! This increase is partly due to the global fascination with mānuka honey, celebrated for its potential medicinal benefits, and partly because there are no longer wild bee colonies in New Zealand. The varroa mite wiped out unmanaged hives, making managed backyard hives more essential for pollination.
So, should you jump in and start your own hive? If you’re passionate about beekeeping, it’s a fantastic pursuit. However, before diving in, consider the costs and responsibilities involved. Beekeeping requires some upfront investment—a protective suit, gloves, hive tool, and smoker will run about $250, and a hive setup with honey boxes, frames, and varroa treatment costs around $400-$600. Or there are places with a standard start up kit for around $500. Additionally, unless you’re certified to inspect your hive for diseases, you may need to hire a qualified inspector.
Beyond the cost, consider the time commitment. Beekeeping requires regular care and attention to ensure the hive stays healthy and productive. Hives require inspections every 10 days to two weeks during spring and summer to check on the bees’ health, monitor for diseases, and ensure the queen is thriving. If your bees bless you with honey, extracting it is a rewarding, if physically demanding, task. In winter, you may need to feed your bees with a sugar solution to help them through the chilly months, when nectar is scarce.
Not quite ready for the full commitment? Consider hosting a hive instead! Several professional beekeepers offer a service where they set up a hive in your backyard, manage it for an annual fee (typically from $500), and even share the honey yield with you. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of bees, a regular supply of honey, and the knowledge you’re supporting a crucial part of the environment—all without the workload!
If a hive in your yard isn’t feasible, or someone in your household is allergic to bees, there are still meaningful ways to help these precious pollinators thrive. The simplest is to create a bee-friendly garden. Avoid insecticides, as they’re harmful to bees, and plant high-nectar flowers to attract them. Even small gardens can make a difference with the right plants, such as lavender, rosemary, daisies, and sunflowers, which are bee magnets. Adding a shallow water source—like a dish with a few pebbles for them to perch on—can also make a world of difference for thirsty bees on hot days.
On a larger scale, supporting local beekeepers by purchasing locally produced honey helps create a thriving market for these pollinators and sustains those who are already caring for hives (try sussing out your local farmers market for local honey producers). Joining local environmental groups, or beekeeping communities, can provide opportunities to learn more about bees, share in conservation efforts, and make new connections.
Whether you decide to manage a hive, host one, or simply make your garden a bee haven, you’ll be doing your part to support these hardworking pollinators. A thriving bee population means a healthier environment for everyone—and bees will surely thank you for it!