A Bay of Plenty beekeeper has pleaded not guilty to the theft of hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of hives.
Paul Hutton, 46, was first arrested in Northland in early September after police recovered about 200 hives.
He appeared in the Tauranga District Court today on one charge of theft and seven of receiving stolen property.
He has also been charged with breaching prison release conditions.
Mr Hutton elected trial by jury and will reappear for a review hearing on 19 December.
The court was also told Mr Hutton has indicated he would plead guilty to unlawfully possessing a firearm.
