Introductory beekeeping course  2026

Course aim
To introduce participants to beekeeping fundamentals and provide a hands-on experience with hive handling and management. 

The first part of the course will be on the theory of bees and beekeeping (3 hours). This will be followed a 3-hour practical session enabling participants to view inside a hive and learn the basics of how to care for a colony using the Bee Club hives. The final part of the course is further information and discussion. The instructor is a well-known and well-regarded local commercial beekeeper.

Theory to cover
Basic bee biology, responsible beekeeping, seasonal management, gear and hive setup.

Practical will cover
Safety, hive inspection, hands-on hive work

Date
10am – 4pm, Saturday 26 September 2026

Location
Te Hou Ora Whānau Services (THOWS)
45 Maori Road, Bellknowes, Dunedin (Next to Jubilee Park)

Cost
$120, includes one year membership to Dunedin Beekeepers Club.
$80 if you are an existing club member.
BYO lunch, tea and coffee provided.

Further information or to book a place please email the club secretary, Chris Hinton.

Recommended information

Participants are recommended to have their own copy of:-

Practical Beekeeping in New Zealand, 5^th edition

By Andrew Matheson & Murray Reid, Exisle Publishing