Students at two local primary schools are now sharing their campuses with bees in a new community initiative. 

The new ‘Hives in Schools’ programme aims to both increase local biodiversity by pollination and offer a unique learning opportunity for students. 

Local rent-a-hive company Tiaki Bees has installed the beehives at Wānaka Primary School and te Kura O Take Kārara.

Owner Barna Szocs says bees play an integral role in the local ecosystem and the younger they are taught about their importance the better.

“The idea is that these schools will have a wonderful educational experience,” Barna said. 

“Students will be able to immerse themselves in the full lifecycle of the bees, understand how they make honey and why they are so important.”

Wānaka Primary School and te Kura O Take Kārara now have beehives on campus.

The hives have been placed on specified areas so the flight path of the bees does not disrupt students playing outside and careful thought has gone into the location so there is no greater risk for those with allergies, Barry said. 

“[Children] will learn to be relaxed around bees and be able to don childrens bee suits, come close to the hive and look inside the boxes,” he said.

Natural kids craft brand Honeysticks has co-sponsored the beehives and owner Will Radford said the importance of bees needs to be showcased more to the younger generation. 

“Bees are vital to the local ecosystem and we support any initiative that focuses on educating people around that.”

The schools will receive support from Tiaki Bees and they will receive the honey produced from the hives, which could be used for fundraising initiatives. 

PHOTOS: Supplied