Annual Disease Return

CLICK HERE for the Annual Disease Return & Levy Process Flow Chart

The Annual Disease Return (ADR) is a statutory declaration that updates your information in the Apiary Database as per the 1^st of June each year. This ensures our database is updated and confirmed as true and correct. All beekeepers must complete this form each year even if they have no bees.  Your hives are not required to be inspected for this document to be submitted.

This legal document is due between the 1^st of April and 1^st of June each year.

In this document you must also declare:

• Any hive purchases or sales within the last 12 months
• Any AFB findings in the previous 12 months (note: that AFB is to be reported within 7 days of finding it this ADR is to double check we have not missed recording any AFB findings)

Colony Return

The colony return is a statutory return required for levy collection purposes. All beekeepers are legally required to declare the number of honey bee colonies they own as at 31 March each year. (Please note that a nuc is a colony of bees.)

Colony Returns are sent out in early April together with your levy invoice and Annual Disease Return. Colony Returns are due before 1 June and it is advisable to provide them as soon as possible if the number of colonies you have been levied for requires adjustment.

What is the Annual Disease Return?

Every year the Management Agency administers the collection of Annual Disease Returns. The Annual Disease Return is a census of managed honey bee colonies—the official count of the number of honey bee colonies, the number of apiaries and their location, the transfer of ownership of beehives between beekeepers, and the location and date where cases of American foulbrood were discovered.

Why do we do it?

The Annual Disease Return provides key information about the beehives in New Zealand and the occurrence of American foulbrood. This information is required to manage the American foulbrood disease control programme and help the Management Agency to make good decisions about where resources should be applied to effectively combat the disease.

How do I submit my Annual Disease Return using HiveHub?

The easiest and fastest way to submit your Annual Disease Return is to use HiveHub. Go to afb.org.nz/HiveHub to find out how. There, you’ll find everything you need to know about HiveHub, including how to complete your Annual Disease Return, links to a step-by-step video and a user guide.

What if I need a paper Annual Disease Return?

Beekeepers who have not logged into HiveHub will be sent a paper copy of the Annual Disease Return. If you require a paper copy and have not received one, or have mislaid your copy, please contact an Apiary Coordinator at [email protected] or by calling 0800 AFB PMP (0800 232 767).

How can I get assistance?

You can view step by step demo videos and user guides, or request assistance via the HiveHub Help and Support tab. Alternatively, you can contact an Apiary Coordinator at [email protected] or by calling 0800 AFB PMP (0800 232 767).

Your information

The Management Agency is committed to keeping your Annual Disease Return Information completely secure and confidential. Your privacy is important to us. You can view our HiveHub Terms of Use here.

Am I legally required to complete my Annual Disease Return?

All beekeepers are legally required to send an Annual Disease Return on or before 1 June each year.

Failure to submit an Annual Disease Return is an offence under section 154N(18) of the Biosecurity Act 1993. Every person who commits an offence against section154N(18) is liable on conviction:

• in the case of an individual person, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, a fine not exceeding $5,000.
• in the case of a corporation, to a fine not exceeding $10,000.