MAF has confirmed the discovery of Varroa on a colony of bees transported inside a hollow log to the sawmill at Pauatahanui. Refer to the full press release.

The club did not hold a diseasathon in the spring last year, though a decision was made to have one in the autumn. This was planned to cover parts of the Hutt Valley where disease has been prevalent in the past. Look for details in next month's newsletter.

Just a reminder to members that your hive levy payments are due on 20th February unless you have claimed an exemption by filing a statutory declaration to the effect that you own 10 or fewer hives on 3 or fewer apiaries.

If you are not eligible for an exemption, but would like to apply for an extension of the time allowed for making payment, then you need to have applied to the NBA Executive Secretary (Tim Leslie) by 31st January. If you are intending to do this, then act now.

The NBA has prepared a comprehensive submission to MAF arguing against the proposal being considered from the WA State Government that would permit the import of honey from WA into New Zealand. The submission can be viewed on their website at www.nba.co.nz