The New Zealand Certificate in Apiculture (Queen Bee Rearing) Level 4 equips learners with practical and theoretical skills to rear queen bees suitable for commercial producers or independent operations. The programme covers queen bee biology, genetics, hive management, disease control, and business strategy for queen bee enterprises. Delivered mainly online with block workshops in various New Zealand locations, it involves approximately 33 weeks of part-time study with 15 hours per week workload. Entry requires prior apiculture knowledge or equivalent skills. Graduates support the growing apiculture industry by ensuring quality queen bee supply for hive genetic diversity and community wellbeing.

Course Content

• Queen Bee Biology, Rearing and Breeding: Lifecycle, anatomy, genetics, breeding programmes, instrumental insemination, breeder queen assessment.

• Beehive Management for Queen Bee Rearing: Management planning, grafting larvae, hive manipulations, queen marking and caging.

• Disease, Hive and Business Management: Nucleus hive production, pest and disease management, varroa mite treatment, hive health maintenance, business planning for queen bee operations.