New Zealand Certificate in Apiculture

Judith de Wilde was looking for a suitable way to increase her beekeeping knowledge, but something able to fit in around work commitments and family life. The New Zealand Certificate in Apiculture hit the mark, after Telford was recommended by members of her local Wellington Beekeeping group. She said the online learning format presented an excellent informative opportunity, beyond just reading a text book.  

Judith said the course has helped her to develop a deeper love for bees. The programme broadened her reading and understanding of bees and beekeeping.  She also appreciated it covered all topics relevant to a learning beekeeper, like herself.
 
Some highlights during the course were unexpected; she found the deadlines for assignments actually motivated her to do the study and complete them.

“As crazy as it sounds, it was fantastic in ensuring that I was maintaining my studies”.

Judith felt rewarded for her efforts in some of the more time-consuming projects she was required to complete for the qualification.

“The Botany section whilst stressful to meet the deadline with pressing, drying and researching of flowers, was a fantastic section for me. It made me more aware of plants in my surroundings and their significance to my bees. I will never look at weeds the same way again.  And yes, I know the difference between Hawkbit and Dandelions”

Judith commented the qualification has made her a better beekeeper. It’s given her the ability to set new goals; she intends to gradually expand hive numbers on her property and see where this will lead. The possibility of her bees eventually providing an income stream and supplementing farm revenue, is realistic.

“I hope to generate a small income from the bees to help offset the magnitude of costs that are continually evolving, to stay as a farm”.

To achieve this goal, Judith is aware she needs to continue in her learning journey, and is committed to making it happen through expanding her knowledge and range of  skills within beekeeping.