New Zealand Certificate in Apiculture (Queen Bee Rearing) (Level 4)
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
Core skills this course teaches
Describe queen and drone bee biology and reproduction
Explain the life cycle, anatomical features and reproductive processes of queen and drone bees.
Explain bee genetics related to breeding
Describe genetic characteristics and how they are measured for bee breeding programmes.
Assess breeder queen bees
Identify physical and behavioural characteristics desirable for selection as breeder queens.
What You're Signing Up For
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.
Course Content
- Queen Bee Biology, Rearing and Breeding: Lifecycle, anatomy, genetics, breeding programmes, instrumental insemination, breeder queen assessment.
- Beehive Management for Queen Bee Rearing: Management planning, grafting larvae, hive manipulations, queen marking and caging.
- Disease, Hive and Business Management: Nucleus hive production, pest and disease management, varroa mite treatment, hive health maintenance, business planning for queen bee operations.
What you need to know first
40 credits at NCEA Level 1 including 10 literacy and 10 numeracy credits, or
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Agriculture
Horticulture
Apiculture
Future employment opportunities might be
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.