Beekeepers boo minister over import plan

Angry beekeepers yesterday protested outside the Beehive against plans to open New Zealand's borders to honey and bee products.

They fear honey imports will bring in new bee diseases that will decimate their hives.

More than 100 beekeepers, some with their families, gathered in Wellington's Civic Square before marching to Parliament to deliver their message to Agriculture Minister Jim Anderton.

Many were dressed in their beekeepers' overalls and helmets, and carrying their smokers.

As they marched through Wellington's streets, waving placards, chanting and handing out pots of honey the protesters got plenty of support from the lunchtime crowds.

They were followed by a convoy of about 20 vehicles plastered with banners delivering their message.

Protest co-ordinator Russell Berry said the imports risked bringing in European foul brood disease, which was a threat to horticultural sectors including kiwifruit, avocados, pip and stone fruits, small seeds and clover.

The protesters were met by opposition MPs, who spoke to them before Mr Anderton arrived.

The Agriculture Minister spoke briefly and told the beekeepers he understood their concerns, but that the director-general of agriculture would make the decision on bee product imports and he could not interfere.

He was booed and National Party MP Shane Ardern told the beekeepers that Mr Anderton was hiding behind his officials.

Mr Anderton was to meet six representatives of the beekeepers in his office later.

Beekeepers have been lobbying their local MPs to stress the effect new diseases could have on pollination and the local beekeeping industry.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) said it had carried out research into bee product importation and that the risk of disease being transmitted here was low.

Beekeepers have been sending MAF submissions over the issue, which has not yet been decided on.

Last month National Beekeepers Association president Jane Lorimer said her organisation was concerned about such a move.

She said North Island beekeepers were still reeling from the arrival of varroa mites almost six years ago.

"In that time, the country has lost 1990 beekeepers, 3171 apiaries and 27,314 hives," she said

"Further decline will result from the importation of honey".

Biosecurity NZ has said that honey from countries such as Australia could be safely imported if it was heat-treated first.

Mr Anderton later told Parliament it was wrong to compare the risks of importing heat-treated honey with the varroa mite, which had been brought in on live bees.

- NZPA