
That being said, we do encourage more households to keep bees in the backyard. Bees in the neighbourhood can do so much good and commercial beekeepers are more inclined to place hives on farmland and remote areas where they can keep several hives together for efficiency. Bee populations in urban areas are significantly depleted and a single hive doesn’t require much space. A mature hive can introduce upwards of 50,000 bees into the area and service a radius of three kilometres or more.

- A beesuit or equivalent protective equipment. We recommend the modern all-in-one overalls rather than half suits and complicated veils. You’ll feel far more confident all sealed in. New, these can be purchased for $80NZD on TradeMe but beware of the quality e.g. plastic zips, and from official suppliers between $130 and $190, depending on colour and style. Children’s beesuits are also available.
- Leather gloves: unless you’re around bees all the time and build up tolerance, you should wear gloves. It is inevitable when lifting frames and boxes that you will squash a bee or two every time you work the bees. Fabric and rubber gloves will not be sufficient. Leather is best, long sleeved. We prefer the vented variety because you get very hot in the midday summer sun. Anywhere from $25 to $40NZD per pair.
- A hive tool for working with the bees. That propolis is super-sticky and separating the boxes and prising out frames requires specialist equipment. If you’re only getting one, be sure to get the ‘J’ type variety with the hook. $12 to $22NZD depending on style and construction.
- A smoker - at some stage you will annoy the bees either because you’re inspecting the brood chambers or stealing their honey. $20 to $100NZD depending on size. You’ll also need a supply of sacking to smoke the hive, it calms the hive but don’t over do it. Less is best.

If you’re only looking after a single hive, then we suggest borrowing or hiring an extractor and related equipment when it’s time to harvest. If you have more than a couple, it may be worthwhile buying your own equipment which adds to costs and storage as appropriate.

Finally we get to the cost of buying the bees themselves. I checked prices today and you can acquire a small starter nuc for $320NZD but this doesn’t include any actual hive equipment except around five frames. A ‘ready to go box’ kit can be purchased for around $150ND. To buy a more mature hive complete with bees, boxes, frames, floor, lid and roof can be around $650NZD.
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