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3 tips on how to start beekeeping

Whether you want 1 or 1000 hives, beekeeping can be a hugely rewarding hobby. Beehives take time, and they need to be managed carefully, so before you get any hives, you should think about what you want to gain, and what you are willing to put in.

Read, read, read!
Buy or borrow a few good beekeeping books. Practical Beekeeping in New Zealand is a good book to start with.

When to start?
Now! The best time to start a beehive is in the spring. This is when bees are just starting to get busy.

Consider your equipment
If you want your equipment to last it is worth paying a little more for better quality gear that will not fall apart or break. Our $99 Starter Hive is a great place to start – it’s pre-assembled and ready to go. Learn more about beekeeping!

More messages from your neighbours

Local Highlight

2 days ago

Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑

Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.

We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?

Want to read more? The Press has you covered!

🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?

52.1% Human-centred experience and communication

52.1% Complete
15.2% Critical thinking

15.2% Complete
30.1% Resilience and adaptability

30.1% Complete
2.6% Other - I will share below!

2.6% Complete

382 votes

17 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.