Beekeeper

Egmont Honey; Hawera; On-site; NZD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Discounted products

Training opportunities

Supportive team

Outdoor work

Job summary

Egmont Honey in New Zealand is seeking two Beekeepers to support our apiary operations in Hāwera, Taranaki. This full-time role offers 30–60 hours weekly, with peak-season increases, and requires hands-on outdoor work and teamwork.

You will assist with hive development, health, honey production, and relocation during seasonal movements. A NZ driver’s licence is essential, along with a practical, motivated attitude and a willingness to learn.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years beekeeping experience is essential
• Be physically fit and comfortable with manual outdoor work
• Hold a full New Zealand driver’s licence
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic
• Eager to learn and develop within the industry
• Comfortable working around bees and bee products
• Strong attention to detail and good communication skills
• Calm head and sense of humour when working with 60,000 tiny co‑workers

Responsibilities

• Manage hive health and bee welfare
• Harvest honey and perform hive maintenance
• Monitor hive productivity and seasonal movements
• Pest and disease management
• Carry out repairs and maintenance on beekeeping equipment
• Support quality, food safety and health & safety standards
• Build relationships with farmers and landowners
• Respond to bee swarm callouts and relocations

Job description

Egmont Honeyis a major player in the Manuka Honey market in New Zealand and around the world. This is a great opportunity to join our team and support our apiary operations based in Hāwera, Taranaki. These are full-time positions working within our beekeeping team. A minimum of 30 hours per week, increasing to 60 hours during the busy season. Flexibility to work additional hours during peak periods is essential.

If you enjoy hands‑on work, being outdoors, and working as part of a close‑knit team, this could be the role for you.

About the role

Reporting to the Head Beekeeper, you'll assist with the development, management, and maintenance of beehives to support pollination and honey production targets.

Your day-to‑day may include:

• Managing hive health and bee welfare
• Honey harvesting and hive maintenance
• Monitoring hive productivity and seasonal hive movements
• Pest and disease management
• Carrying out repairs and maintenance on beekeeping equipment
• Supporting quality, food safety, and health & safety standards
• Building positive relationships with farmers and landowners
• Responding to bee swarm callouts and relocations when required

No two days are the same, and the role involves a mix of physical outdoor work, travel, teamwork, and responsibility.

What we're looking for

• A minimum of 2-3 years' beekeeping experience is essential
• Be physically fit and comfortable with manual outdoor work
• Hold a full New Zealand driver's licence
• Have a positive attitude and strong work ethic
• Be eager to learn and develop within the industry
• Be comfortable working around bees and bee products
• Have strong attention to detail and good communication skills
• A calm head and a good sense of humour goes a long way when working with 60,000 tiny co‑workers

What's in it for you?

At Egmont Honey, you'll be joining a passionate and hardworking team focused on producing premium New Zealand honey and supporting people to be their best selves, naturally.

We're currently looking for two Beekeepers to join our team and can offer:

• Competitive hourly rates
• Heavily discounted products made right here on site
• Ongoing training and personal development opportunities
• A supportive team culture with plenty of variety in the role
• The chance to work outdoors and be part of a unique and growing industry

Please note

This role involves regular exposure to bees and bee products in a hands‑on working environment. For health and safety reasons, applicants with known allergies to bee stings are strongly advised not to apply.

All applicants must be eligible to work in New Zealand.