A new book sheds light on a little-known historical figure.
Mary Bumby brought European honeybees to New Zealand in 1838 and became our very first beekeeper.
Doing so was no mean feat: a six month voyage by sea, carrying two hives of live bees on her journey from England to Hokianga.
With access to Mary's own diary entries and historic records, Auckland novelist JM Laird has retold Mary's journey, and even uncovered some traditional beekeeping methods lost to time.
She joins Emile Donovan.
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