As part of MNZ’s Bee Protection & Health Program, we work with our own dedicated beekeepers and employ a specialist apiculturist together with seasonal beekeeping inspectors across New Zealand. Our teams operate on both the North and South Island, ensuring continuous oversight of hive health and placement.
MNZ currently manages more than 5,600 hives, home to many millions of bees, located in some of the most remote rural areas of New Zealand. Hive locations range from larger sites with over 80 colonies to highly isolated areas with only a few hives. Placement is carefully selected in pristine regions with abundant Manuka trees and minimal exposure to agricultural activity.
The Bee Protection & Health Program focuses on regular inspection of wooden beehives, monitoring colony strength, queen vitality and overall hive condition. Particular attention is given to the detection and management of pests such as Varroa and Tropilaelaps mites, as well as pathogens including Nosema and other viruses.
Queen health and sourcing are closely monitored, including queens obtained from external breeders. This structured oversight helps safeguard the integrity of the entire supply chain, from healthy colonies to the final product.
As part of our Bee Protection & Health Program, MNZ follows a strict feeding policy: our bees are fed exclusively with their own honey reserves built up during the season. Supplementary feeding is only considered in cases of extreme climatic conditions. Our hive management system ensures that colonies retain sufficient honey stores to naturally sustain themselves through the New Zealand winter.
In addition to hive management, MNZ operates a strict quality control system. All Manuka honey is tested for microbiological parameters, toxins, pesticide residues, sugars, pollen markers, moisture content, colour, flavour and enzyme activity in accordance with MPI requirements. This ensures that all honey entering and leaving our packaging facility meets the highest standards.
MNZ operates under the oversight of two New Zealand government authorities. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is responsible for the national food safety system and monitors compliance within the food industry. MNZ participates in MPI’s national screening programme in addition to our internal monitoring procedures. Section 8.0 of the MPI Consolidated List of Tests for Animal Products outlines the chemical residue testing programme applicable to honey.
The New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) regulates pesticide and insecticide use to protect bees and pollinators. Strict controls apply to neonicotinoids and other substances, with specific measures aimed at safeguarding pollinator health.
The most important protective measure remains hive placement. MNZ deliberately positions its hives in remote, rural and unspoiled locations, far from intensive farming. This significantly reduces the risk of herbicide and pesticide exposure.
As part of the Bee Protection & Health Program, all honey products undergo extensive testing for naturally occurring compounds and potential trace elements of pesticides. This systematic monitoring supports our commitment to purity and quality.
MNZ produces exclusively raw, unfiltered and unpasteurised monofloral Manuka honey. All products are produced, processed and packaged in New Zealand using BPA-free packaging.
