New Zealand Certificate in Apiculture (Queen Bee Rearing) (Level 4)
This programme will teach you how to rear queen bees for a commercial bee product producer or to operate your own queen-rearing operation. You’ll be able to work independently or supervise others.
Domestic
September
About the programme
Gain the skills and knowledge to rear queen bees.
This programme will enable you to rear queen bees for a commercial operation or to operate your own queen-bee-rearing operation. Graduates will be able to work independently and could supervise others.
Apiculture is one of New Zealand's fastest growing industries and apiarists are in high demand.
Graduates of this programme will be well-received by the industry, which needs a steady supply of quality queen bees to ensure the genetic diversity of existing and new hives. In turn, you'll be helping to ensure the wellbeing of our wider community, as a strong bee industry is critical to ensuring the ongoing supply of food.
We are the only tertiary provider of this industry-recognised training pathway in New Zealand, but you can study in a range of locations (see locations in 'What you study' below), as this programme is taught online with block courses.
What You Study
Block course locations
- Christchurch (National Trades Academy)
- Cromwell, Central Otago (Bannockburn Road)
- Dunedin (Momona Hall)
- Hamilton (Fraser High School)
- New Plymouth, Taranaki (Coastal Taranaki School, Okato)
- Ōrewa, North Auckland (Hibiscus Coast Community House)
- Tauranga (Whataroa Road)
Courses
| Course name | Course Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
|
Queen Bee Biology, Rearing and Breeding |
This course will enable you to describe the biology, rearing and breeding of queen bees. Indicative content
Learning outcomes At the successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
|
15 |
|
Beehive Management for Queen Bee Rearing |
Learn how to prepare for and to rear queen bees. Indicative content
Learning outcomes At the successful completion of this course, learners will be able to:
|
15 |
|
Disease, Hive and Business Management |
Learn how to implement a disease management plan for queen rearing, set up nucleus hives for mating queen bees and to develop a business strategy for queen reading operation. Indicative content
Learning outcomes At the successful completion of this course, learners will be able to:
|
15 |
Further study options
Graduates of this programme can further their learning with the New Zealand Certificate in Apiculture (Level 4) or other qualifications in small business management.
Workload
Your workload
As a part-time student, you should aim to undertake around 15 hours of study per week throughout the programme. This will include workshops, online learning and discussions, reading textbooks, doing assessments, practical work in your own time and the completion of an apiary diary.
- Online learning - one evening class per fortnight (7.00pm-9.00pm)
- Practical weekend workshops once per month (9.00am-5.00pm, Sat and Sun) - see locations in What you study section
- Followed by a practical 10 days later on a Tues evening (5.30pm-7.30pm)
Entry
Entry requirements
- New Zealand Certificate in Apiculture (Level 3) or equivalent industry skills and knowledge.
- You will be expected to complete an industry-approved American Foulbrood recognition and destruction course before you graduate from this programme.
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Want your existing skills recognised?
Students who have previously completed unit standards in Apiculture at Level 4 may be able to claim recognition of prior learning to exempt themselves from completing the equivalent learning on this programme provided these units appear on their student Record of Learning. Email central@op.ac.nz for more info.
Fees
Domestic fees
Funding help
As this programme is part-time, students generally aren't eligible for student loans or allowances to cover additional or living costs. But, some help may be possible depending on your circumstances. Check the Studylink website for more information. If you have any questions about student loans and allowances, please email our Studylink Advisor: Amanda.McAra@op.ac.nz
You may be able to access Fees Free funding for additional tuition fee support (conditions apply).
Additional costs
- You will need to purchase your own Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which includes a beekeeping suit (overalls and veil), gloves, smoker and hive tool (approximately $250).
- It is preferable that you wear steel-capped boots or gumboots.
- You will need to have access to a computer and the internet. Course material will be made available online (through Moodle, our education online platform). Meetings, theory classes and assignments may be carried out online (via Microsoft Teams).
Tuition fees
The tuition fees shown above are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied. These fees also don’t include additional costs or living costs.
Student Services Fee
For most students, your tuition fee shown above includes a Student Services Fee – also known as the Student Levy. This compulsory fee covers your access to the student services we offer. This cost is tailored depending on how you're studying.
Application
A change for 2023 enrolments
When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic in 2023, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people, and you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.
Disclaimer
While every effort is made to ensure that this sheet is accurate, Otago Polytechnic reserves the right to amend, alter or withdraw any of the contained information. The fees shown in this document are indicative only. Both domestic and international fees are subject to change and are dependent on the development and implementation of Government policies. Please note that additional fees may from time to time be required for external examination, NZQA fees and/or additional material fees.
