New Zealand Honey Bee

New Zealand is recognised as one of the most advanced beekeeping countries in the world. Since beekeeping was first introduced to Northland in 1839 as not much more than a home craft, it has developed into a progressive industry. Today, the busy honey bee pollinates roughly one-third of everything we eat, making it essential to New Zealand agriculture.

As well as pollinating our fruit and vegetable crops, the honey bee cleverly creates beautifully flavoured New Zealand honey - from the delicate pōhutukawa through to the stronger flavoured kāmahi and rewarewa, and the robust jellied mānuka honey. The natural antibiotic qualities of some mānuka honey has also led to an international market for health care products. Last year, New Zealand exported nearly $300 million worth of honey.

Sadly, honey bees worldwide are under threat as a result of serious pests and diseases, in particular the Varroa mite in New Zealand. This collectable legal tender commemorative coin issue aims to raise awareness of the crucial role the honey bee plays in food production, for what is hoped to be many generations to come.