NZ Certificate in Apiculture (Level 4)

This programme is intended for people working in the apiculture industry who want to learn the knowledge and skills to manage a viable apiculture business. It is for people who are single-source, comb, or medical grade manuka honey producers; pollination service providers; or self-marketing producers.

Upon successful completion of the requirements, you'll be awarded:
New Zealand Certificate in Apiculture Level 4

Locations: North Island/ South Island
Next intake: Aug 2024
Study options: 34-weeks, part-time.
Delivery Format: training includes 3 visits from our tutor. 90% of the programme is delivered via distance.
Total credits: 60

Eligibility:
  • New Zealand Resident or citizen
  • Must not have any allergies to bee stings or pollen
  • Have completed NZ Certificate in Apiculture Level 3
  • Employed in the commercial beekeeping industry or owning beehives as an individual

Graduates are expected to have completed an industry-approved American Foulbrood recognition and destruction course

Career opportunities:
Graduates of this certificate can work as an independent beekeepers or as a supervisor or leading hands in a commercial beekeeping operation

The topics covered are:
  • Implement and monitor a seasonal beehive management plan
  • Implement and monitor a beehive nutritional management plan
  • Describe the nutritional requirements of bees and feeding regimes for bees in different seasonal conditions
  • Describe flowering plants and their role in beekeeping
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the role of bees in an arable crop, orchard and pasture pollination
  • Implement and monitor a bee disease management plan and recommend changes
  • Demonstrate knowledge of significant exotic bees, bee diseases, disorders, pests and bee management practices
  • Describe honey and honey production, and the production processes for beehive products
  • Implement and monitor food safety procedures in an apiculture operation
  • Analyse beehive management and pest and disease management plans, and recommend improvements