Low Honey Harvest Expected as North Island Beekeepers Grapple With Storm Effects

Beekeepers across New Zealand’s North Island are bracing for one of the weakest honey harvests in years as the lingering impacts of severe storms continue to disrupt flowering cycles, damage hives, and strain an industry already under pressure from rising costs and environmental challenges.
Unseasonal rainfall, strong winds, and repeated flooding events over recent months have left many apiarists facing reduced nectar flows and delayed hive recovery. Regions that normally provide abundant manuka and clover blooms have seen flowering patterns thrown off balance, cutting into the peak production period that beekeepers rely on for much of their annual income.
“This season has been incredibly difficult,” said one commercial beekeeper operating in Hawke’s Bay. “We lost access to several sites because roads were washed out, and even where hives survived, the bees haven’t had consistent weather to forage properly.”
Storm Damage and Disrupted Bloom Cycles
The North Island experienced a series of intense storms that damaged farmland, forests, and coastal areas. For beekeepers, the consequences go beyond physical destruction of equipment. Flooding saturated soils and uprooted vegetation, while prolonged cloud cover reduced sunlight necessary for plants to produce nectar.
Botanists and agricultural scientists say flowering plants are highly sensitive to weather patterns. When storms arrive during crucial blooming windows, nectar production can drop sharply.
“Bees need stable conditions to collect nectar,” explained an environmental researcher at a New Zealand agricultural institute. “If rain washes pollen away or temperatures stay too low, flowers simply don’t provide enough resources.”
In areas such as Northland and Waikato, beekeepers report hive productivity down by as much as 30 to 40 percent compared with average seasons. Some smaller operators fear they may not harvest enough honey to cover operational expenses.
Economic Pressure on the Industry
The beekeeping sector has already been grappling with challenges including fluctuating manuka honey prices, increased biosecurity requirements, and rising fuel and transport costs. A low harvest year adds further strain to businesses that rely heavily on exports.
Manuka honey remains one of New Zealand’s most valuable agricultural exports, with international demand particularly strong in Asian and European markets. However, reduced supply could push prices higher, potentially benefiting some producers while limiting access for smaller exporters.
“For large companies, there may be ways to absorb the losses,” said an industry representative. “But for family-run operations, this could be a make-or-break season.”
Some beekeepers are considering scaling back hive numbers or shifting locations next year to avoid areas more vulnerable to extreme weather. Others are exploring diversification into pollination services for crops such as kiwifruit and apples to offset lost honey revenue.
Impact on Bee Health
Beyond production losses, bee health has also suffered. Wet conditions increase the risk of fungal diseases inside hives, while weakened colonies are more susceptible to pests such as varroa mites.
Veterinary experts warn that stressed bees may struggle to survive winter if they enter the colder months with insufficient food reserves. Beekeepers are now spending more on supplemental feeding using sugar syrup and protein patties to keep colonies alive.
“We’re not just losing honey,” one apiarist said. “We’re spending more to keep the bees healthy, and that cuts into any profit we might make.”
Climate Change and Long-Term Risks
Scientists link the increasing frequency and intensity of storms to broader climate change trends. Warmer oceans and shifting weather patterns are making extreme rainfall events more common in New Zealand, raising concerns about the long-term stability of industries dependent on predictable seasons.
Agricultural economists argue that beekeeping is particularly vulnerable because it depends on both plant health and insect behavior, two systems sensitive to environmental stress.
“This season may be a warning sign,” said a climate policy analyst. “If storms continue at this pace, the industry will need stronger adaptation strategies, such as moving hives more frequently or planting storm-resistant forage crops.”
Government agencies are monitoring the situation closely. Some regional councils are assessing whether emergency assistance or recovery grants may be needed for affected farmers and beekeepers.
Community and Environmental Role
Beekeepers play a critical role in pollination, supporting food production far beyond honey. Crops such as berries, avocados, and squash rely heavily on bees, and reduced hive numbers could affect yields next year.
Local farming communities have already reported lower pollination activity in some storm-hit districts, raising concerns about knock-on effects for the wider agricultural economy.
Environmental groups stress that protecting bee populations is essential not only for economic reasons but for biodiversity. Native plants depend on healthy pollinator networks to regenerate after disasters.
“Bees are part of the recovery process,” said a conservation spokesperson. “When storms damage ecosystems, pollinators help bring them back to life.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the grim outlook, many beekeepers remain cautiously hopeful. Weather forecasts suggest more stable conditions in the coming months, which could allow late-season flowering to provide some relief. However, expectations remain low compared with previous years.
Industry leaders are urging collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and producers to build resilience against future storms. Ideas include expanding research into climate-resistant plants, improving hive design, and developing early-warning systems for extreme weather.