A survey of beekeepers and related industries has revealed that if current trends are allowed to continue, New Zealand could have a drastic shortage of bees within five to 10 years.

Growers of kiwifruit, apples, seeds and other crops rely heavily on beekeepers for annual pollination services, while farmers need bees to keep the clover growing in their pastures.

The threat to pollination has come from the varroa honey bee mite that is attacking hives and killing wild colonies through the North Island. An increase in horticulture production is also putting pressure on pollination services.