September is Bee Aware Month, and Apiculture New Zealand brings you another jam-packed campaign to celebrate New Zealand bees.

Bees have a huge impact on the New Zealand ecosystem and economy, providing pollination services to our environment and, of course, the much-loved sweet treat honey.

This year, schools, councils, community groups and bee enthusiasts all over the country are buzzing about their Bee Aware Month activities and celebrations.

Protecting the health of our bee population is a hot topic amongst beekeepers and with the public.

This year, ApiNZ is using Bee Aware Month as a channel to educate communities about how they can protect bees in their own backyards.

Minimising the use of sprays and providing backyard bee support by planting bee-friendly gardens and providing fresh water stops are key steps to protecting our healthy bee population.

With the support of sponsors and partners De Winkel, Mitre 10 and the Environmental Protection Authority, ApiNZ is running competitions and providing resources for Bee Aware Month events and activities all over New Zealand.

Anyone interested in Bee Aware Month can get involved and keep up-to-date with what's happening via the Bee Aware Month Facebook page at: www.apinz.org.nz/bee-aware-month