New Zealand bees

[busybguy]

Of my surviving hives this spring I have one with a queen from New Zealand that I put in last year. These bees are phenomenal. They fly on cold days, dark days, even on rainy days. The weather does not seem to matter. Has anyone else experienced this or do I have a rare exception here.
Sterling

[John Russell]

It's funny, because I hate them.
I have always bought packages up until this year. I found them prone to chalk brood, and they winter poorly. I'd say you have the exception.
That being said however, there are some beekeeers that are quite happy with them....but i hear more complaints then complements. Most locals I know buy NZ packages only if they truly need to and then requeen asap.
If you are happy with that particular hive, don't prejudice yourself with opinions, but split and / or breed it. Reguardless of origin, good genetic stock is good genetic stock and if the performance both summer and winter are excellent, I'd take advantage of a good find.

Cheers!

J.R.

[Dr. Pedro Rodriguez]

Hello folks.
Strangely enough, I am in the process of writing an article about New Zeland's bees and people. (More to come later in order not give away the essence of the article).
A year ago, I had the honor and pleasure of being invited as a speaker to New Zealand's annual beekeepers Congress. During the convention I had an amazingly pleasurable recognition for my work with FGMO but most importantly, in addition, I had the opportunity to tour the North Island from Awkland down the east coast to Wellington and back up the west coast to Awkland. During the tour of the North Island, I stayed at the honme of beekeepers enjoying their immense generosity and was given the opportunity to visit their apiaries and honey production houses. During my tour, I had the opportunity to inspect their hives at several apiaries noticing in particular the gentleness of their bees, and, hives with hugh popultions with frames full of honey even though this was in the month of June. Althought the weather was getting cold already entering into the winter, the bees did not seem to mind and were extremely busy harvesting nectar.
In short, I have nothing but praise for the gentleness and productivity of the bees of New Zealand and for the kindness of Newzealanders. Judging by my observations during my tour of the North Island of New Zealand I would wholeheartedly recommend New Zealands's bee stock for its gentleness, high productivity and disease resistance.
Big hug, Kiwi brothers and God bless.
Dr. Rodriguez

[Sundance]

Dr. R......... Please define cold??? Cold here is below freezing and often -30F.

[Joel]

Sundance, we've had -22 (Actual) where I am in the Fingerlakes Region of upstate NY. -10 -15 not unusual in Dec./Jan.. It is all a person can do to be out in it for any period of time. For what it's worth I think the -30 you get should really have it's own word, cold just isn't enough!

[Sundance]

I agree Joel............ The word for it is not allowed on this forum.