[Myrkk]

I've just bought some brand new hives for my bees and wondered if anyone knows if MAF would let them through if they were steam cleaned and disinfected? I wouldn't be bringing the frames and wax, just the roof, floor, queen excluders, supers and brood chambers.

I suspect not given that NZ doesn't have Varroa.

Anyone here have any experience in this area?

I've been trying to check out the NZ beekeeping websites but can't get them to upload on my PC.

[Myrkk]

I'm sorry I've managed to post this in entirely the wrong section of the forum......... :roll

[Smiler]

Myrkk

I haven't a clue sorry, but it sounds like a specialist thingy to me. Email MAF and check and double check. If they say yes, keep their reply and bring it with you ahead of your shipment. :D

I found this on the MAF site http://search.maf.govt.nz/maf/search.aln?other=opt%3Aand&search=bee+hive&x=0&y=0

It looks like they have found Varroa here. There's an email contact at the bottom of the page.

HTH.

[jbharvey]

Have you been to Wellington to see the biggest beehive in the world?

http://www.world-guides.com/images/wellington/wellington_beehive.jpg

:)

[Jenny & Mark]

Coming from a least three generations of beekeeping, I doubt that you will be able to bring in apiarist equipment. NZ is one of the most cautious country when it comes to agricultural protection (rightfully so), especially in relation to honey/bees; however the MAF has the final say.

Mark.

http://scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00052.htm

[Myrkk]

Cheers everyone. I didn't think I'd be able to bring it over......... we made the decision just after I bought a load of kit....... no doubt the beekeeping association to which I belong will welcome it. They're always terribly short of kit.