Beekeeper

Comvita Apiaries; Whanganui; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Birthday leave

Private health insurance

Increased KiwiSaver employer contribution

Frequent supply of Comvita products

Job summary

Comvita Apiaries is looking for a passionate Beekeeper to join our Whanganui team ahead of the next honey season starting August 2026. This role involves managing hive production and health, collaborating with regional teams, and supporting apprentices in their learning.

We embrace nature's science to foster wellbeing while promoting sustainability. Join us and make a real impact in a values-driven environment with a commitment to safety, health, and a diversity-friendly workplace.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of commercial beekeeping experience required.
• Full NZ Class 1 driver's licence essential.
• Physical fitness to regularly lift and shift hive boxes.

Responsibilities

• Secure Mānuka honey production.
• Manage hive health and disease control.
• Support apiary apprentices in their learning journey.

Skills

Commercial beekeeping experience

Communication skills

Physical fitness

Health and safety practices

Education

NZ Class 1 driver’s licence

Beekeeping-related training

Tools

Forklift certification

Job description

About the Role

At Comvita we embrace the science of nature to support natural health and wellbeing, and to build global resilience. We believe in the power and wisdom of bees, and the idea of “One Hive”, where belonging makes each of us stronger. We are looking for a passionate and experienced Beekeeper to join our Whanganui Apiary Team. The successful candidate will start at the beginning of the next honey season, August 2026.

Driven by our purpose, our team loves working here because of our passion for wellbeing, our commitment to the environment and sustainability and our aspiration to become the best employer. Being part of the global Comvita team means you get to work with others around the globe who share a passion for wellness and nature, and who strive to help leave the world a better place.

What a day could look like

• Securing Mānuka honey production
• Hive manipulation and management throughout the season
• Monitoring hive health and managing disease control
• Delivering hive productivity and quality targets
• Working collaboratively with other regional beekeeping teams
• Moving hives during seasonal shifts
• Supporting apiary apprentices in their learning journey

This role is based in Whanganui, with travel across the Whanganui region required during peak season. All travel costs are covered by Comvita, and include a working away from home allowance.

What you'll bring

• At least 3-5 years of commercial beekeeping experience (in New Zealand or similar climate/conditions)
• A full NZ Class 1 driver’s licence essential
• Class 2 driver’s licence would be preferred but not essential
• The physical fitness to regularly lift and shift hive boxes
• Flexibility to travel and work long hours during peak season
• A strong commitment to health and safety practices
• Good communication skills and a collaborative working style

The following are advantageous but not essential:

• OSH forklift certification
• Beekeeping-related training or qualifications

Working with us

At Comvita, you will be part of a purpose-driven business with a proud legacy and a bold future. You will have the opportunity to make a real impact on the safety and wellbeing of our people while working in a supportive, values-led environment.

Benefits

We offer competitive remuneration, and benefits including:

• An opportunity to join a team who are passionate about doing business in a way where people and bees can thrive together in harmony.
• Birthday leave – a paid day off for your birthday every year
• Private health insurance – add your family members at a discounted rate
• Life and trauma insurances
• Frequent supply of Comvita products
• Increased KiwiSaver employer contribution of 4%
• Additional family benefits such as enhanced parental leave allowances

In applying for this job, you must be willing to undergo pre‑employment drug screening and consent to ongoing random drug testing whilst in employment.

Comvita’s Commitment to Ethical Employment Practices

Comvita is committed to upholding the rights of young workers and ensuring that child labour has no place in our operations or supply chain. We do not employ individuals under the age of 18 and strictly prohibit anyone under 18 from performing work that may involve hazardous conditions or materials.

We do not tolerate the use of child labour or forced labour in any part of our business or among our suppliers. No child is to be involved in the production of our products or in the provision of materials or services to Comvita.

This commitment reflects our core values and our responsibility to support safe, fair, and ethical working conditions across all aspects of our business.

Comvita is an organisation which is committed to well‑being, diversity and equity. We celebrate diversity and nurture belonging within our global team. We welcome diversity of people, ideas, talents and experiences. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us so we can support you through your recruitment journey.