Good opportunities for experienced beekeepers
Employers report difficulty in finding skilled beekeepers, so your chances of securing a job are best if you have relevant experience.
The number of beekeeper businesses has increased significantly over the last five to 10 years. However, because of an oversupply of honey and a drop in honey prices since July 2018, there are currently fewer entry-level job opportunities and this is expected to continue.
Apiarist (beekeeper) appears on Immigration New Zealand's regional skill shortage list. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled beekeepers from overseas to work in New Zealand.
Chances for entry-level beekeepers better with big employers
Entry-level beekeepers may find it easier to get a job with large companies (with 3,000 hives or more). Employers are usually hiring during the busy spring and summer seasons, between September and February.
According to the Census, 2,361 commercial beekeepers worked in New Zealand in 2018. According to Apiculture New Zealand, there were 9,217 registered beekeepers in June 2019, including hobbyists and commercial.
Self-employment common among beekeepers
Some beekeepers work for large companies that develop and sell honey products.
Many beekeepers work as owner-operators, producing and marketing their own honey or supplying honey to other companies.
