The National Beekeepers' Association today met with the Minister of Agriculture in Wellington.

NBA representatives restated to the Minister the beekeeping industry's view that a quick decision was needed on eradication.

"Every day lost now will only make eradication more difficult. With drones (male bees) being evicted from hives at this time of the year, there is potential for a faster natural spread if eradication is not decided on soon," said NBA spokesperson Lin McKenzie.

The Minister was also informed of industry meetings around New Zealand. Local NBA branches are calling meetings of all primary sector groups to discuss the varroa outbreak, so as to have as many organisations as possible aware of the problem's extent.

The Auckland Branch will hold a major meeting on Monday, 8 May at 1.00pm. The meeting, at the Manakau Sports Bowl, will involve representatives of all sectors undertaking survey work around the outbreak area.

The branch hopes that interested people from other primary industries will attend as well.llington to brief the Minister on NBA and industry activities surrounding the Varroa Mite

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