The preliminary results of two Māori land blocks on the east coast have returned successful results in a pilot programme led by Te Tumu Paeroa.
Marangairoa B24 and A11B in Te Araroa, participated the programme to identify the potential of mānuka honey on the east coast.
200 hives were placed via helicopter in November last year and has been monitored by a Ngati Porou beekeeper on behalf of Te Tumu Paeroa.
Despite a slow start to the season approximately 50 kilograms of honey was recovered from each hive, which is higher than the industry average per hive. Whilst the quality of the honey hasn’t been measured the sheer quantity indicates uncapped commercial potential for the area.
Te Tumu Paeroa’s Commercial Investments Manager for the mānuka honey sector, Shar Amner has been leading the project and is pleased with this outcome.
“The season started with heavy rain from November right through to Christmas which is not conducive to making honey, so we weren’t feeling too optimistic about the results. This has been a great step in the right direction and I’m excited to see what else we can do on the coast,” says Shar.
The head of Te Tumu Paeroa, Jamie Tuuta acknowledges the importance of this work.
“Many of the blocks that we administer as responsible trustee is in mānuka. We’re looking to gain as much industry knowledge and experience as we can, so that we are able to unlock the potential sitting in Māori land with the resources we already have. We’re looking to mobilise the land and mānuka honey is one of the many avenues we are exploring for our owners. This is a positive indication of what is possible,” says Jamie.