World Bee Day, observed annually on May 20, aims to raise awareness about the vital role bees and other pollinators play in maintaining the health of our ecosystems and ensuring food security. Bees are crucial for pollinating plants, including New Zealand's treasured Mānuka, which supports biodiversity and agriculture alike. 
 

Why Bees Matter More Than Ever

In 2025, bee populations are facing unprecedented challenges. Recent studies indicate that honey bee colonies could face up to 70% loss this year, threatening global agriculture and food supply chains. Bees contribute to the pollination of approximately 75% of the worlds flowering plants and about 35% of global food crops (WSU). Making their decline a pressing concern. 

How You Can Help Protect Bees

1. Plant Bee Friendly Flora

Planting nectar and pollen rich plants is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to support bee health. To create a thriving pollinator friendly garden, aim for:

• Native plants:These are suited to your local bee species. In New Zealand this includes Kowhai, Harakeke (Flax), Pohutakawa and Mānuka.
• Diverse bloom times: Choose a variety of plants that flower in different seasons so bees always have food. 
• Open petaled flowers: These are easier for bees to access. Avoid hybrid plants bred mainly for looks - they often lack nectar. 

Even a few potted plants on a balcony or windowsill can create a micro-habitat for urban bees. Every patch of green matters.

2. Provide Fresh Water Sources

Like all living creatures, bees need hydration to survive. But they also use water to cool their hives and dilute stored honey. Here's how you can help:

• Place a shallow dish or birdbath in your garden.
• Add pebbles, twigs or marbles so bees have something to land on. 
• Refill it daily in hot weather and keep it clean to prevent disease. 
• Use water that is pure, free from chlorine, fluoride and other chemicals. 

This small act is especially vital in urban areas where natural water sources are limited. 

3. Avoid Harmful Chemicals

Chemical pesticides, herbicides and fungicides are among the leading causes of bee decline. Protect pollinators by:

• Choosing natural pest control like neem oil, insecticidal soaps, or introducing beneficial insects (like ladybugs).
• Practicing companion planting - for example, planting basil near tomatoes to deter pests. 
• If chemicals are completely unavoidable - then avoid spraying during daylight hours when bees are most active. 
• Look for organic certified gardening products at your local garden centre. 

Adopting a bee-safe gardening mindset not only helps pollinators but also improves soil and plant health.

4. Create Bee Habitats

Most people think of honeybees in hives, but 80-90% of bee species are solitary. These bees nest in the ground, hollow stems or wood cavities. Support them by:

• Leaving bare patches of undisturbed soil (no mulch or lawn).
• Installing bee hotels made from bamboo, wood or cardboard tubes. Place them in a sunny sheltered spot. 
• Letting parts of your garden go a little wild - natural landscapes are ideal habitats. 
• Avoiding excessive lawn mowing to allow dandelion and clover flowers to bloom.

Creating habitat diversity encourages pollinator populations to flourish naturally.

5. Support Sustainable Beekeeping

Not all honey is created equal. Commercial practices sometimes overwork bees, over harvest honey or use harmful treatments. To make a positive impact:

• Purchase honey from local beekeepers who use sustainable practices. 
• Look for certifications or brands that mention minimal hive intervention and ethical honey extraction.
• Ask how beekeepers support wild bee populations and native plant restoration.

At Manuka Honey of NZ, we proudly support beekeepers who put bee welfare first. Our partner brands prioritise organic principles, eco-conscious land use, and long term bee health. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of World Bee Day?

A: World Bee Day highlights the essential role bees play in pollination, biodiversity, and food production. It serves as a reminder of the threats bees face and encourages actions to protect them. 

Q: How does bee decline affect food security:

A: Bees are responsible for pollinating many crops we rely on for food. A decline in bee populations can lead to reduced crop yields, affecting food availability and prices. 

Q: Can urban residents contribute to bee conservation?

A: Absolutely! Urban dwellers can plant balcony gardens with bee-friendly plants, avoid using harmful chemicals and support local beekeepers. 

Join The Movement

This World Bee Day, let's unite in our efforts to protect these indispensable pollinators. Whether by planting native flowers, providing water sources, or supporting sustainable beekeeping, every action counts. Together we can ensure a thriving environment for bees, and by extension, ourselves. 

Downloadable Bee-Friendly Planting Guides for NZ

1. Gardening for Bees - Apiculture New Zealand

This comprehensive guide provides insights into creating bee-friendly gardens, emphasising the importance of planting flowers that offer nectar and pollen throughout the seasons. It includes practical tips on garden design, plant selection, and maintenance to support both honey bees and native bee species.

Download: Gardening for Bees - Apiculture New Zealand (PDF) 

2. Bee Friendly Garden - Oderings Garden Centres

A user-friendly guide that outlines steps to create a bee-friendly garden, including plant selection, garden layout, and maintenance practices. It emphasises the importance of providing continuous food sources and safe habitats for bees. 

Download: Bee Friendly Garden - Oderings Garden Centre (PDF)

3. A Guide to Planting for Bees - Environment Southland

This guide focuses on selecting plants that thrive in Southland's climate and are beneficial to bees. It includes information on plant species, flowering periods, and tips for creating a garden that supports pollinator health. 

Download: A Guide to Planting for Bees - Environment Southland (PDF)

Happy World Bee Day!

On World Bee Day and every day, we have the precious opportunity to make a positive impact on bee populations. By implementing some of these practical actions, you can contribute to the conservation and well-being of bees in your own backyard and beyond whether you live in the city or in the country, everyone can take part of bee conservation. Let's work together to create a world where bees thrive and keep providing us with our beautiful Manuka Honey.

References

• ABC News (2025): 70% Honey Bee Loss Projected
• UN World Bee Day Overview
• DOC NZ: Native Bee-Friendly Plants