Growing & Vines
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
This programme teaches skills and knowledge to rear queen bees for commercial or independent queen bee operations. It prepares students to work independently or supervise others in the apiculture industry.
Online study
Flexible online learning from anywhere
Available in 4 locations
It will take a total of 33 weeks
This course requires 15 hours per week

Explain the life cycle, anatomical features and reproductive processes of queen and drone bees.

Describe genetic characteristics and how they are measured for bee breeding programmes.

Identify physical and behavioural characteristics desirable for selection as breeder queens.
The New Zealand Certificate in Apiculture (Queen Bee Rearing) Level 4 equips learners with practical and theoretical skills to rear queen bees suitable for commercial producers or independent operations. The programme covers queen bee biology, genetics, hive management, disease control, and business strategy for queen bee enterprises. Delivered mainly online with block workshops in various New Zealand locations, it involves approximately 33 weeks of part-time study with 15 hours per week workload. Entry requires prior apiculture knowledge or equivalent skills. Graduates support the growing apiculture industry by ensuring quality queen bee supply for hive genetic diversity and community wellbeing.
What you need to know first
40 credits at NCEA Level 1 including 10 literacy and 10 numeracy credits, or

Agriculture
Horticulture
Apiculture

Queen bee rearer for commercial apiarists
Independent queen bee operation manager or supervisor

Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.
Growing & Vines
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
This programme teaches skills and knowledge to rear queen bees for commercial or independent queen bee operations. It prepares students to work independently or supervise others in the apiculture industry.
Online study
Flexible online learning from anywhere
Available in 4 locations
It will take a total of 33 weeks
This course requires 15 hours per week

Explain the life cycle, anatomical features and reproductive processes of queen and drone bees.

Describe genetic characteristics and how they are measured for bee breeding programmes.

Identify physical and behavioural characteristics desirable for selection as breeder queens.
The New Zealand Certificate in Apiculture (Queen Bee Rearing) Level 4 equips learners with practical and theoretical skills to rear queen bees suitable for commercial producers or independent operations. The programme covers queen bee biology, genetics, hive management, disease control, and business strategy for queen bee enterprises. Delivered mainly online with block workshops in various New Zealand locations, it involves approximately 33 weeks of part-time study with 15 hours per week workload. Entry requires prior apiculture knowledge or equivalent skills. Graduates support the growing apiculture industry by ensuring quality queen bee supply for hive genetic diversity and community wellbeing.
What you need to know first
40 credits at NCEA Level 1 including 10 literacy and 10 numeracy credits, or

Agriculture
Horticulture
Apiculture

Queen bee rearer for commercial apiarists
Independent queen bee operation manager or supervisor

Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.
New Zealand Certificate in Apiculture (Level 3), or
Equivalent industry skills and knowledge
Physically capable to meet programme demands
Strong beehive supply for Queen rearing
New Zealand Certificate in Apiculture (Level 3), or
Equivalent industry skills and knowledge
Physically capable to meet programme demands
Strong beehive supply for Queen rearing