Beekeepers not marketers
Kopaki Honey
We are based in Kopaki which is an area inside the Waitomo district of New Zealand.
“Kopaki” translates to “death shroud” and we feel that “Death Shroud Honey” may be a difficult sell which is why we focus on bee keeping and selling bulk honey as opposed to trying to develop a brand.
Though based in Kopaki, we also move hives back and forward to Northland for the early Manuka Honey Flow, Taranaki for the late Manuka Honey Flow, and Te Puke for Kiwifruit pollination.
Meet OUR BEEKEEPERS
Our passionate beekeepers
Head Stressor, Land Manager, Sales Manager
Ross Wilson
Raised in Northland and with a love of the outdoors, Ross learned bee-keeping from his outdoor loving father Ian.
When Ian was selling off his own hives in the Northland area to retire and move to Taupo, Ross saw an opportunity, bought his fathers hives and started Kopaki Honey.
Based in Auckland, Ross handles the overall management and administration of the business while also helping the team as a beekeeper and driver during the busy times.
2 IC of stressing, Apiary Manager, Beekeeper
Andrew Blake
After 10 years of taking people fishing both on the ocean and in rivers, Ross felt it was time his good friend Andrew got off his arse and did some real work so invited him to join Kopaki Honey.
Since then Andrew has now become a pain in the arse to the rest of the team, pestering them for daily updates, making them work with hangovers, and ensuring that no-one drives any vehicle that isn’t pre-dinged.
Head of chilling, Beekeeper
Warrick Cleaveland
After working with Andrew taking people fishing, then boat building and then working in the Honey industry with Manuka Health, Warrick joined the Kopaki Honey team.
Warricks main roll is to de-stress the team members that have talked to Andrew and also helps as a beekeeper.
Head of social activities, Senior Beekeeper
Christian (left)
Christians primary roll is running the shearers quarters night club and Karaoke bar.
Christians second roll is Bee Keeping, and he is responsible for ensuring the Kopaki Honey hives are all strong and healthy.
Head Cat Keeper, Queen Rarer, Senior Beekeeper
Gerlan (left)
Gerlans primary role is looking after any cats he comes accross and providing them lots of love and attention.
Gerlans second roll is managing the queen raring for Kopaki Honey.
And finally Gerlan helps the rest of the team to maintain the health and strength of the hives.
Slave, Slave
Alex Schimanski
Alex’s primary is to ensure that any team members over the age of 40 don’t have to exert any physical effort.
Alex’s second responsibility is to ensure that anyone over the age of 30 doesn’t break a sweat.
Head Venom Tester, Senior Beekeeper
Nikita Mudford
Nikita’s primary job is for the purpose of health and safety to test the strength of the venom from a bees sting. Nikita performs these tests at various apiaries throughout the year. For more accurate results Nikita likes to personally test the venom with her face.
Nikita also helps the rest of the team to maintain the health and strength of the hives.
