Keep bees safely and responsibly
On the Kāpiti Coast we support safe and responsible beekeeping for hobby use, pollination, and honey production.
If you want to keep bees in an urban area of the Kāpiti Coast District, you must:
- get an apiarist assessment
- apply for a beekeeping licence
- register your hives
- get written support from nearby neighbours.
These rules help protect people, pets, and nearby properties from nuisance or safety issues.
Do I need a beekeeping licence?
You need a licence if you want to keep beehives in an urban area of the Kāpiti Coast District, including:
- Ōtaki
- Waikanae
- Paraparaumu
- Raumati
- Paekākāriki
Urban areas are residential or built-up areas where homes and properties are close together.
You do not need a licence for commercial beekeeping because commercial operations are not allowed under this policy.
Before you apply
Before you apply for a licence, you must:
- Obtain an apiarist report from approved apiarist - Christian Boedeker, Apiarist Reg# H5808.
- register your hives with the Management Agency
- talk to nearby neighbours
- choose a safe location for your hives.
You should also make sure your hives:
- are well maintained
- do not create a nuisance
- are placed away from public areas and neighbouring outdoor spaces
- have access to a nearby water source.
Hive location rules
If you keep bees outside urban areas, hives must be at least 10 metres away from any public place unless Council approves an exemption.
You must also:
- manage bees safely
- regularly check hive health and behaviour
- follow the Apiculture New Zealand Code of Conduct.
Register your hives
Register your hives with NZ Bee Health & Biosecurity through HiveHub within 30 days of placing them on site.
Hive registration helps identify:
- where hives are located
- who owns them
- how to contact owners if there is a problem or disease outbreak.
How to apply for a beekeeping licence
Step 1: Get an apiarist assessment
Arrange an assessment and written report from:
Christian Boedeker
Apiarist Registration: H5808
The report must confirm the site is suitable for urban beekeeping.
If Council approves additional apiarists in future, this page will be updated.
Step 2: Talk to your neighbours
You must get written support from immediate neighbours and any nearby property owners or occupiers who may be affected by the hives.
This helps reduce future complaints and confirms neighbours understand where the hives will be located.
Step 3: Complete your application
Choose one of the following options:
- Printable application form (PDF) [PDF 157 KB]
- Online application form
You must include:
- your apiarist report
- neighbour approval information
- details about your property
- the number and location of proposed hives.
What happens after you apply?
Council will review:
- your application form
- the apiarist report
- neighbour feedback
- the proposed hive location.
We may contact you if we need more information.
You cannot place urban hives on the property until your licence is approved.
Licence conditions
Licences are only available for hobbyist beekeeping.
You must follow all licence conditions and keep hives in the approved location.
Council may cancel a licence if:
- licence conditions are not followed
- hives create ongoing nuisance or safety issues
- two or more neighbours make nuisance complaints.
If neighbours have concerns
Neighbours who have concerns about urban beehives can contact Council’s compliance team by phone or email.
If a property next to approved hives is sold, the current owner must tell prospective buyers that occupied beehives are kept nearby.
Tips for responsible beekeeping
Good beekeeping helps protect neighbours and the wider community.
To reduce problems:
- keep hives healthy and clean
- provide water close to the hives
- avoid placing hives near paths, decks, or outdoor living areas
- inspect hives regularly
- manage swarming risks early
- follow the Apiculture New Zealand Code of Conduct.
Contact us
For questions about beekeeping licences or complaints: Contact us