Business beat
Dion Mundy says hives like these could become a target for the latest pest to be found in New Zealand, the yellow-legged hornet. Photo: Frank Nelson.
Frank Nelson
The recent discovery of yellow-legged hornets on Auckland’s North Shore has alarm bells ringing across the country and not just because the huge stingers are the last thing you want to see on your picnic sandwich.
These aggressive hornets kill bees, posing a serious economic threat to honey producers along with those growing crops as diverse as cherries, apples, clover and seed onions, which all rely on bees for pollination.
Dion Mundy, chair of the Marlborough Beekeepers Association, says the hornets, already well-established in Europe, attack and eat bees returning to the hives after foraging.
“Even if the bees aren’t lost to the hornets, they actually get scared about going out and feeding which greatly reduces their effectiveness,” he said. “Obviously that’s not good for the beekeepers but it’s also not good for the crops they’re pollinating or people’s home gardens.”
Mundy urges everyone to remain vigilant and on the lookout for these Asian hornets which are considerably larger than the widespread German wasps. To alert Biosecurity New Zealand call 0800 809966.
Air New Zealand’s decision to axe early morning flights from Blenheim to Wellington will have disappointed Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor, the chamber of commerce and Destination Marlborough.
They share concerns that canning the 7.15am flights will impact corporate travel, particularly for those who need to be in the capital by 9am for meetings. The first flight now leaves Blenheim at 8.40am.
“We’ll continue to monitor demand … and remain committed to keeping Marlborough well connected,” said Lucy Hall, the airline’s short haul and domestic general manager.
Meanwhile, Sounds Air operates a dozen flights each week which take passengers into Wellington by 9am.
Mat Price’s catering business, Fairhall Green Bar & Bistro, has taken over food and beverage services at Marlborough Golf Club. Price has spent more than 30
years in the hospitality industry, the last seven as a manager at Biddy Kate’s Irish Bar, in Blenheim.
Working with a team of two chefs and three other staff, he now offers a broad menu of food and drinks while barbecues with live music are planned for summer weekends. Fairhall Green is open for club members, their guests and anyone joining the club as a social member.
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