Beekeeping

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Tahi Honey Bee Friends Programme

Each year, during Terms 4 and 1, a select group of eight students participates in the Tahi Honey Bee Friends Programme, an initiative designed to educate and engage students in the art and science of beekeeping.

Guided by a professional beekeeper from Tahi Honey, students don their own bee suits and gain hands-on experience in hive management. They learn about the intricate workings of a bee colony, the distinct roles of queen, worker, and drone bees, and the seasonal behaviour of hives. Students also practise using essential beekeeping tools, including hive tools and smokers, to ensure the health and productivity of the bees.

As the season progresses, students observe the transformation of nectar into honey. At the end of the term, the harvested honey is returned to the school, where it is sold through the school office, supporting various school initiatives. Available for purchase too is the GlenberBEE honey cookbook.

Beyond practical beekeeping skills, the programme emphasises environmental education. Students take on the role of ambassadors, visiting classrooms to share their knowledge about bees and their importance to our ecosystem. These educational sessions are enriched by the presence of an observation hive provided by Tahi Honey, allowing peers to witness a live queen bee and the inner workings of a hive up close.
Participation in the Tahi Honey Bee Friends Programme fosters a sense of responsibility, teamwork, and environmental stewardship, aligning with our school's commitment to hands-on, experiential learning.

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