Media advisory

29 July 2010

NBA gives Auckland Mayor a 'hive' five

Auckland Mayor, John Banks, will be presented with a blue and white sentinel hive tomorrow.

The hive is being given to Auckland City to raise the profile of the importance of bees to New Zealand's economy and largest city.

A presentation will take place at 11am this Friday on the roof of the Aotea Centre.

National Beekeepers' Association (NBA) executive council representative, Maureen Maxwell, said there is a lot of space for the bees, manicured parks and gardens right on the doorstep of the Centre.

"The hive will get sunshine all day and a million dollar view looking back to Auckland's Town Hall and clock tower - a premium penthouse for bees!

"Overseas evidence suggests hives in cities are thriving and sometimes produce up to three times the amount of honey as bees in rural areas," she said.

The sentinel hive will be paid for and maintained by the NBA Auckland branch. Auckland Beekeepers' Club president, Kim Kneijber, will be the honorary beekeeper to manage the hive.

Ms Kneijber co-ordinates the exotic and pest management annual disease surveillance for the Auckland region.

"The hive is close to the port and heart of the city, and will act as a vigilant scout for exotic pests or diseases, working to protect our fragile ecosystem."

In addition, Ms Kneijber said keeping a hive in your backyard is a great way to pollinate your own fruit and vegetables and also provides informative and entertaining education for kids.

The Mayor will be presented with the annual honey harvest.

ENDS

Bees are crucial to our primary sector, with a role far beyond honey production. New Zealand's dependence on horticulture and agriculture means we may be more dependent on pollination from the honey bee than any other nation on earth. Bee Week runs from 26-30 July and will highlight the value and opportunities of bees and beekeeping in New Zealand.

Bee Week is supported by the National Beekeepers' Association of New Zealand (NBA) and Federated Farmers Bees.

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