A new season begins

As winter gives way to longer days and warmer temperatures, spring brings a noticeable change to the landscape of Aotearoa. Gardens begin to flower, native plants come into bloom and, after months of relative quiet, our honey bees become increasingly active.

For the bees, spring is a particularly important time of year. As temperatures rise and flowering plants provide new sources of pollen and nectar, colonies respond with an increase in activity within the hive.

For beekeepers, this is the beginning of another cycle. The bees are gathering the resources they need to grow the colony, while the landscape begins preparing for the mānuka flowering season that will ultimately produce one of New Zealand’s most distinctive honeys.

Spring in the hive

Mānuka honey begins with the relationship between bee and plant. Bees collect nectar from Leptospermum scoparium, the native mānuka plant found throughout New Zealand. The resulting honey is distinctive, with its character and naturally occurring compounds setting it apart from other varieties of honey.

Spring is when that process begins to gather momentum. Over the coming months, weather, flowering conditions, bee health and the availability of nectar will all shape the journey from flower to jar. As they move from flower to flower collecting nectar, bees also play a vital role as pollinators, supporting the plants and crops that sustain our food system. Every jar of honey is a small reminder of the interconnected relationship between bees, plants and the wider landscape.

Looking after yourself as the season changes

Spring can be energising, but it can also bring a few challenges. For many New Zealanders, warmer weather means the return of seasonal allergies. Pollen can trigger hay fever, causing symptoms such as sneezing, a blocked or runny nose, itchy eyes and an irritated throat.

A few simple habits can help make the transition into spring more comfortable:

• Know your triggers. If pollen affects you, take note of when and where your symptoms tend to appear. Pollen levels can be higher in the morning, on windy days and after thunderstorms.
• Prepare early. If you experience hay fever each year, Health New Zealand recommends starting treatment two to three weeks before the season begins. A pharmacist or healthcare professional can advise on the most appropriate options for you.
• Make time for the basics. As routines shift with the warmer weather, prioritise regular sleep, nourishing food, hydration and time outdoors when conditions suit you.
• Look after your throat. Seasonal changes can bring throat irritation, whether from pollen, dry air or respiratory illnesses that can continue circulating into spring. If symptoms are severe, persistent or concerning, seek advice from a healthcare professional.

The place of mānuka honey

Mānuka honey has long been part of New Zealand's natural wellness story, and its distinctive properties are one reason it has attracted so much scientific interest.

The UMF™ grading system provides an independently verified measure of key markers associated with genuine New Zealand mānuka honey, helping consumers understand the strength and quality of what they are buying. Higher UMF™ grades contain higher levels of the naturally occurring compounds measured by the system.

For those who enjoy mānuka honey as part of their everyday routine, UMF™ 10+ and UMF™ 15+ offer a versatile choice, whether enjoyed by the spoonful or on a slice of wholegrain toast. Hauora Snap Packs make that ritual easy to take with you, whether you're heading out for the day, travelling or simply keeping a little mānuka honey close at hand.

Store it with care

As the temperature warms outdoors, it is important to remember to keep your honey cool. Just as high-quality green tea is carefully stored to help preserve its valuable natural compounds, mānuka honey also benefits from a little extra care.

Keep your honey in a cool place away from direct sunlight and heat - ideally in the refrigerator. Avoid leaving it somewhere that regularly becomes warm, such as beside a cooktop or in direct sunlight. Good storage helps protect the naturally occurring compounds in mānuka honey and maintain its quality over time.

For a premium honey, proper storage is part of getting the most from the product, from the moment it is opened to the last spoonful.

Spring is a season of renewed activity. In the hives, in the landscape and in our own routines, it is a natural time to pause, reset and make space for the season ahead.

Welcome, spring.