Kem OrmondFeatures writer·The Country·11 Jul, 2026 05:00 PM6 mins to read‌Beekeeping is thought to have started in New Zealand in 1839. Photo / Duncan BrownBeekeeping is thought to have started in New Zealand in 1839. Photo / Duncan BrownKem Ormond takes a look at the world of farming back in the day. In this week’s Pastures Past, she’s found newspaper articles from 1888 to 1938 about bees and beekeeping.Beekeeping in New Zealand has a relatively recent history.

It is generally considered to have begun in 1839,