Apiculture

New Zealand’s apiculture industry operates to some of the highest food safety and export standards in the world. As a Recognised Agency approved under the Animal Products Act 1999, we pride ourselves on delivering a highly personalised evaluation and verification services. 

With extensive knowledge of apiculture regulations and industry practice, we deliver efficient, reliable verification services that support your business, strengthen your reputation, and enable growth across domestic and international markets. Our verification team brings extensive honey production and auditing experience, supported by a dedicated key account manager. As a customer you can expect direct technical access to your highly skilled Approved Persons, to be viewed as an extension of your quality team.  

We work closely with beekeepers, packers, processors, and exporters to ensure compliance across the full apiculture supply chain, from extraction and processing through to finished product approval and export readiness. As a well‑connected team, we maintain strong service consistency and provide tailored support across the honey supply chain. 

Our Capabilities 

  • Risk Management Programmes (RMPs): Supporting robust food safety, traceability, and risk management 
  • National Programmes (NPs): Ensuring compliance with recognised domestic standards under the Food Act 2014. 
  • Certification of bee products for export: Meeting New Zealand legislative requirements and the expectations of overseas markets. 

Contact Us   Submit a Service Request Change RA to Hill Labs

Also need testing? 

Hill Labs brings together laboratory testing, inspection, and certification services under one organisation. This integrated model supports efficient compliance, clear communication, and reliable outcomes. 

Learn about our honey testing services

Latest Stories

Easter Hours 2026

A friendly reminder that our Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Blenheim, and Christchurch labs will be closed on Friday, 3rd April, and Monday, 6th April. Our Bay of Plenty lab will remain open. If you plan to send any time or temperature-sensitive samples, please ensure you schedule these to arrive before or after these dates to avoid delays.
  01 Apr 2026

Hill News February 2026 - Update from our MD, Dr Jonno Hill

AI is rapidly transforming how we work, driving big productivity gains, especially in software development. Rather than reducing roles, we’re using these tools to boost output and free our people to focus on innovation. While we’ll adopt AI carefully in our high‑compliance environment, we’re excited about the opportunities ahead and committed to leading the way.
  24 Feb 2026

Driving Innovation Through Expertise: The Analytical Technology Microbiology & Molecular Biology Team 

Innovation is at the heart of Hill Labs’ Analytical Technology Microbiology & Molecular Biology team. This highly skilled team is driving industry‑leading solutions that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and scientific excellence across food, environmental, and agricultural services.
  24 Feb 2026

What our customers have to say

"We've always found them to be responsive in getting results back and giving advice on problems we might be facing."

Andrew Hutchinson, Technical Manager, Turners & Growers

"We strongly recommend Hill Labs as a sound testing service provider to the honey industry."

Nick Walker, Technical Manager, Egmont Honey

"Their sample registration system has made things simple and seamless - collect, scan and send!"

Mathew Bannister, Compliance Manager, First Fresh New Zealand

Accreditations

As a New Zealand accredited laboratory by International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ), Hill Labs' commitment to quality is tantamount to our overall operating philosophy. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work.