Amongst the most remote forests and hills of the purest place on Earth, a family dedicated to sustaining future generations works with nature to source the most premium New Zealand honey from the comb, taking absolute care of nature’s gift.
This wonderful gift from nature deserves our respect, so we care for the bees and take extraordinary care in working with them to sustainably source this special honey. We never let the honey out of sight, while taking absolute care to gently turn honey in the comb, into honey for the home.
Founded on family values
We create an extraordinary work environment that enhances wellbeing and embraces a respectful culture.
BeeNZ is a family owned and operated business based in the small town of Katikati in the beautiful Bay of Plenty on the North Island of New Zealand. David and Julie, a husband and wife team, oversee the journey of the honey from hive to jar. They are passionate about the environment and firmly believe that bee health is of the utmost importance.
Through the process of managing the beekeeper, extractor, processor, packer and finally the exporter, they ensure complete integrity throughout the honey-making process. Their respect for values, community and sustainability create an environment of trust, a key factor in the success of BeeNZ.
The business operates as a family unit, much like a hive; each member integral to the happiness and success of the whole. Following natures lead; crafted with care by one family, for another.
The Busy Bees
Meet our wonderful team
BeeNZ is a family-owned and operated business based in Katikati, New Zealand. The health and wellbeing of our people is of utmost importance and we pride ourselves in being an equal opportunities employer.
We believe our team is not only made up of those who work here on the BeeNZ premises, but also includes our suppliers, logistics team, distributors and resellers. Every person who connects with our brand plays an integral part in ensuring that each jar of BeeNZ honey reaches our consumers.
Julie & David Hayes
Owners & General Managers
What is your favorite thing about being part of the BeeNZ team?
Laughter & love within the team
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
Beach, sunshine & travel
What are the values that drive you?
Honesty & kindness
Lynda Uttinger
HR/Compliance Manager
What is your favorite thing about being part of the BeeNZ team?
Our family values – we’re a close knit team, there’s something special about working in a true family environment.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
Interior decorating – I love creating spaces, choosing colors & fabrics and working to create something special.
What is your background?
20 years legal executive then into executive assistant roles.
Maria Thorn
Export Sales Manager
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
Fly fishing
What is your background? Food science & Kiwifruit grower services.
If you could have one ability that a bee has, what would it be and why?
To be able to dance
Jenny Steward
International Sales Manager
What is your favorite thing about being part of the BeeNZ team?
We have a lot of laughs, everyone one is friendly, helpful, and approachable to share their knowledge.
What is your background?
Over 20 years in international trading and sales. I have experience in finding new products/ ideas to bring to market, as well as selling products to overseas market. I enjoy breaking into new markets with new
products. Representing great products.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
When I am not at work I enjoy going to the gym, going for walks, catching up with friends and family.
Kate Hayes
Marketing & Social Media Coordinator
What is your favorite thing about being part of the BeeNZ team?
The fun, happy & relaxed working environment and everyone working as a cohesive unit
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
Anything crafty and creative. Being with friends and family.
What is your background?
Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Media Studies, French & Spanish.
Troy Mclean
Honey Processing Manager
What is your background?
Beekeeping & Horticulture
What are the values that drive you?
Honesty, happiness & family
If you could have one ability that a bee has, what would it be and why?
Being a drone, no responsibilities, just staying in the warm hive & eating honey.
Andy Leach
Honey Packing Manager
What is your favorite thing about being part of the BeeNZ team?
The laughs
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
Spending time with family, tinkering in the shed, mountain biking & surfing.
If you could have one ability that a bee has, what would it be and why?
Fly – save on petrol!!
Deb Jefferson
Quality Control
What is your favorite thing about being part of the BeeNZ team?
Everyone is so positive & has a great attitude. Like a breath of fresh air.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
Bush walks, mountain biking, family & grandkids.
If you could have one ability that a bee has, what would it be and why?
To fly and visit all the pretty flowers.
Our Values - We live and work by a code of ethics that encapsulate what it means to be part of the BeeNZ team.
- Be respectful to each other and nurture our family environment.
- Value our customers and the business they bring.
- Be proud of the work we do.
- Appreciate the importance of the New Zealand honeybee.
