New Zealand Beeswax is a dedicated team of beeswax and beekeeping enthusiasts with bases in Orari and Hamilton. Learn more about our history and our team below.
Everything you could need
A hive-ware manufacturing business developed and New Zealand Beeswax matured into a full service provider to the NZ apiculture industry offering not just beekeeping equipment but hive-ware and health and nutrition products to an ever growing customer base.
We are more than just wax
In addition to establishing itself as the number one beeswax processing company, and a major supplier of all beekeeping equipment, New Zealand Beeswax is the leading health and nutrition provider to the Apiculture industry in New Zealand. We have developed strong relationships with international suppliers of quality health and nutrition products allowing NZ beekeepers access to world leading products.
Where we have landed
In 2016 new ownership allowed New Zealand Beeswax to not only maintain its 100 percent NZ ownership but it also provided additional skills, knowledge and capital in which to continue the successful growth journey of the business. A new branch was established in Hamilton to better service our North Island customers and NZ’s first commercial nutritional patty manufacturing machine and NZ’s first integrated plastic frame wash and wax service were constructed.
Across New Zealand and beyond
Today New Zealand Beeswax is the principal supplier of bee health and nutrition products offering total beekeeping solutions to the NZ apiculture industry as well as exporting beekeeping supplies globally. We have established core relationships with quality suppliers and have developed wholesale distribution arrangements with a number of industry re-sellers.
Staying true to our roots
However, never forgetting our roots, New Zealand Beeswax remains NZ’s only specialist beeswax processing company, purchasing quality beeswax from NZ’s world-renowned beekeepers, refining and processing it into pure beeswax products sold throughout NZ, Australasia, Indonesia, Europe, the Middle East and America.
Humble beginnings to today
From humble beginnings over a century ago, combined with both innovation and growth, the New Zealand Beeswax story continues today.
Our enduring history
New Zealand Beeswax Ltd (NZB) was established in the 1920’s when the vast potential to supply comb foundation wax to the small beekeeping operations throughout New Zealand was recognised. After considerable global research into beeswax processing New Zealand Beeswax established itself as a specialist beeswax comb foundation manufacturer.
With the increasing development of agriculture and beehive numbers, the supply of crude beeswax from beekeepers grew and processes were developed which enabled the production of high-grade white beeswax to the cosmetics industry.
In the late nineteen eighties the business was purchased by the Lyttle family and NZB was established with a new factory being built at Orari, the present site based in the central South Island of New Zealand.
Nick Taylor
General Manager
Nick Taylor loves to spend all his spare time running around after his children. When he’s not being the family chauffeur, he’s throwing himself up a snowy mountain, just to hurl his way back down it.
Rhys Fulton
Business Manager
Rhys is a Waikato boy, raised on a farm just outside Hamilton with a finance and agriculture background. Having spent a number of years in Northland and Taranaki, he relocated back to the Waikato and joined NZ Beeswax in 2019, working with the wonderful team in Hamilton – supporting customers, the team and learning lots about bees. Other hobbies include Fishing, Diving, Classic cars and the endless pursuit of a busy and active family.
Pat Coles
Business Development Manager
Pat spent several years working and traveling around Europe before returning home to work in the casino and dairy industries. Now based in Cambridge, he maintains close ties to Wellington (specifically Petone) and remains a passionate Hurricanes supporter, much to the amusement of his wife (a Crusaders fan) and twins (Chiefs fans). Growing up in a family of eight, Pat learned that respect is earned and one should always strive to do better. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, golfing, and fishing.
Tanya Gant
Domestic Sales / Exporting
Tanya has been based at the Orari/South Canterbury Branch since 2015, coming from a sales background. She is dedicated to delivering the best results to our customers and ensuring their beekeeping needs are met. Tanya builds strong relationships with both domestic and international beekeepers, sharing her beekeeping knowledge and exploring various options to suit their needs. She works closely with those buying or selling beeswax and promotes our quality NZ Beeswax internationally. Tanya looks forward to supporting your beekeeping and beeswax endeavours. Kia pai tō koutou rā.
Caroline McHaffie
Customer Service - Orari
Caroline has worked for NZ Beeswax for over 7 years and liases with Beekeepers for their orders and enquiries. Her first introductions to bees was with her father as a hobbyist beekeeper and visiting the Orari site for comb foundation over 20 years ago. In her spare time she keeps herself busy with gardening, grandchildren and the odd trip away in the caravan.
Monique Andrews
Customer Service - Hamilton
Monique is born and bred in Hamilton. Has worked for NZ Beeswax Ltd since 2019. In her spare time she enjoys being with family and friends. Hobbies include reading (belongs to a book, wine and food appreciation club), travelling, crocheting, practicing yoga and listening to music.
Ruwanga Jayasekara
Customer Service - Hamilton
Ruwan is from Sri Lanka and proud to be a Kiwi citizen now. Working for NZ Beeswax since 2017. Even though she is not a big fan of traveling she has lived in various destinations in the South Island starting from Ranfurly and now resides in Hamilton NZ. In her spare time Ruwan enjoys cooking Sri Lankan dishes for family and friends, gardening, reading and sewing.
Trudie Lineham
Office Administrator
Trudie although born and bred in Southland, has lived in the Canterbury area for over 20 years. She has numerous years experience in Office Administration. In her spare time she enjoys caravanning with her husband and dogs.
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