Bee keeping is permitted in rural areas of the district provided hives are not located within 20m of any adjoining property boundaries and within 50m of any dwelling on adjoining properties. These restrictions do not apply if the hives are temporarily placed for crop pollination purposes, or where approval has been received from the adjoining property owner or occupier.
Bees may be kept in urban areas as long as prior written permission has been received from Council. Obtaining permission from Council will not incur any charge. The granting of permission and any conditions will be guided by Council's Urban Beekeeping Policy.
To obtain permission for urban hives, contact us on (09) 237 1300 and ask to speak to an Enforcement Officer, or email us.
The Biosecurity (National American Foulbrood Pest Management Strategy) Order 1998 requires the registration of all apiaries in New Zealand.
To register your apiary, either contact Bob Derry at AsureQuality on (07) 850 2837 to receive a registration form by mail, or apply online through the NBA website (
www.nba.org.nz).
From the main menu, select: Pest Management Strategies/Forms for the PMS/Register New Bkpr/Apiary.