The New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has officially begun, and tariff rates on certain mānuka honey exports have already been cut, with more reductions to take place over the next five years. Those who have been to India recently as part of the official delegations say they expect the mānuka honey market growth in the world’s most populous nation to be a slow-burn, and that would be a good thing for the long-term prospects of “the last great market for manuka”.

Beekeepers wanting to apply for “quota” to export mānuka honey to India in 2027 with a CIF (cost, insurance and freight) value of US$20-$US30/kg have until 5pm on November 16 to throw their hat in the ring if they want to gain reduced tariff rates.

The first AGM of New Zealand Bee Health and Biosecurity (NZBB) has seen the new Trust report bad news on several fronts – the highest incidence rate of American foulbrood (AFB) in nearly 30 years, an operating loss for the third year running, all alongside the recent news that beekeepers’ per-hive levy is set to increase.

Comvita’s Annual Shareholder’s Meeting has seen challenges to the position of chair Bridget Coates and two of her board as decisions made over an eventful 12 months were relitigated, including by numerous former directors of the mānuka honey giant.

What are the big issues being overlooked that the incoming government needs to get right to have any chance at improving New Zealand’s lot? From superannuation, to local government, science to health, Ian Fletcher highlights the topics limiting progress and not talked about enough.

The ‘Bee Alliance’ of beekeeping, honey and pollination leaders has met for the second time and progress to meaningful results for those up and down the “value chain” is real according to several of the key players.

On holiday recently in Bali, Indonesia, beekeeper Ken Brown sought out the locals – bees and beekeepers that is. From unique native bees, to hungry hornets in action, and a captivating array of local honeys sampled, the Auckland Beekeepers Club president reports on his adventures and returning home with much more than the usual suntan-and-Bintang hangover.

It was October and November last year when yellow-legged hornet nests began to emerge en masse, but so far in spring 2026 all is quiet around the previosuly hot spot of Auckland’s North Shore. That doesn’t mean Biosecurity New Zealand (BNZ) is getting complacent though the New Zealand Bee Health and Biosecurity AGM heard on October 30, and nor should beekeepers.

When the American foulbrood (AFB) National Pest Management Plan was revised recently it made an allowance for potential, future use of detection dogs. However, nothing has changed in practice as New Zealand Bee Health and Biosecurity (NZBB) continue to state more research is needed while no clear pathway towards field trials exists. Those closest to the most recent AFB detector dog project believe nothing will move forward unless someone steps up to champion the idea.

Greater consideration of an incorporated national group of beekeeping clubs is to be taken following a November 2 online meeting, but a final decision on whether that level of formalisation will be practical is yet to be made.

For an industry intertwined with nature, New Zealand made Kōpani Covers offer beekeepers a reusable, plant-based alternative to plastic. Designed to reduce reliance on plastic wrap, which carries environmental costs in both its production and disposal, the durable covers provide beekeepers with a practical, sustainable option for protecting honey during harvest, storage and transportation.

New Zealand’s long-awaited changes to the National American Foulbrood (AFB) Pest Management Plan are moving towards implementation, with proposed measures including greater transparency of honey test results, compulsory employee training, and stronger compliance tools.