Bee Aware Month isn't just about supporting bees, it's also about protecting food security, Apiculture NZ chief executive Karin Kos says.
It's in our best interests to ensure bees thrive, because their pollination work results in an estimated one in every three mouthfuls of the food we eat, Kos told The Country's Jamie Mackay.
"Bees are just so critical to pollination [and] they also produce that wonderful product, honey.
"We've got over 10,000 beekeepers in New Zealand today and it's because people love bees, people love the product they produce but also the good job that they play in our environment, particularly in our agriculture and horticulture sectors."
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Bee Aware Month is a national educational campaign initiated and coordinated by Apiculture NZ.
This year beekeepers are calling on Kiwis to learn more about bees and how to support their health and resilience.
Beekeeping was taking off as a hobby around New Zealand, as people became more interested in protecting their local biodiversity, Kos said.
"Chickens were always the thing people would get into, today bees and beehives are really big with a lot of New Zealanders," Kos said. "We've seen that also in the growth of memberships with our bee clubs around the country."
One top tip for supporting bees was to give the lawnmower a rest, Kos said.
"Take a break from lawn mowing. Don't mow so often, let the clover grow - they love clover."
Beekeeping clubs and supporters around the country will be visiting schools and running events for Bee Aware Month.
For those who are "buzzing with questions" about bees, beekeeping and honey, Apiculture NZ has an "ask a beekeeper" page on its website.
Here, people can submit questions and experts will provide answers on Apiculture NZ's Facebook and Instagram pages throughout September.
