Beekeeping Advisor and Trainer
Agriculture & Horticultural Sustainability
Closing date: 3/2/2026
Download Job DescriptionApply onlineJob description
Te Whāinga | Our Purpose is
Te Hono Tangata - Te Huringa Ora.
Ka hono a Te Tūao Tāwāhi i ngā tūao pūkenga ki ngā whakahaere me ngā hapori i te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa me tua atu, hei tautoko i ngā wawata kua tautuhia ā-rohe, ā, kia tutuki ai te panoni toitū.
Connecting People – Transforming Lives.
Volunteer Service Abroad connects skilled volunteers with organisations and communities in the Pacific and beyond to support locally identified aspirations and achieve sustainable change.
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About the role
This is your opportunity to become a VSA Volunteer to share your experience, skills and knowledge to serve and build capacity in Tonga. Work alongside our local partner organisation to plan and create a brighter future for all.
We are looking for an experienced Beekeeping Advisor and Trainer or someone with the right level of transferrable skills, who understands and shares the spirit of volunteering, with a keen interest in building capability in the Pacific (while embracing a new cultural experience).
The length of this assignment in Tonga will be 12 months, with 3-6 months in-country at the start of the assignment.
VSA will support you by funding and organising your flights, visas, insurances, accommodation, living allowance and utilities while you are on assignment.
Ngā tino Pūkenga/Wheako – Essential skills/experiences for the role
If you are interested in this opportunity, below are some of the key skills and experiences that we’re looking for.
- Extensive experience as a beekeeper - preferably commercial experience
- Hold a New Zealand DECA (Disease Elimination Conformity Agreement) qualification
- Extensive knowledge of bee diseases, especially AFB, and Varroa destructor and associated viruses
- Experience constructing, establishing, and maintaining healthy colonies in beehives
- Experience extracting honey and other bee products and marketing them
- Experience in developing, documenting and writing guidelines for beekeeping
- Knowledge of biosecurity guidelines for apiculture
- Experience with developing and carrying out training programmes for beekeeping with relevant stakeholders
- A strong background in science
Important note
: Due to our VSA funding requirements, our volunteers must be a NZ citizen or NZ Permanent Resident to progress further in our recruitment process.
Our Partner Organisation – Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests
The Assignment – Beekeeping Advisor and Trainer
This assignment is a partnership assignment between VSA and MAFF.
The beekeeping sector in Tonga is relatively new and still developing, having faced significant setbacks since the arrival of the predatory mite Varroa destructor in 2006. Recent progress includes the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests (MAFF) assuming leadership of the sector in 2025, the development and implementation of “Beekeeping Standards for the Kingdom of Tonga”, and the
formation of the Tongan Beekeepers’ Association.
Tongan honeybees are uniquely resistant to the varroa mite, and the mechanism of resistance has significant implications for Tongan beekeepers with practices being significantly different to beekeeping elsewhere in the world. It is essential that new management techniques are continuously developed, without the use of drug treatments for varroa. Beekeeping in Tonga is at a critical juncture in its development, and this assignment will see an
experienced beekeeper who is keen to learn about the unique Tongan bee environment, learn from the current volunteer and take the project forward.
The Country – Tonga
The Kingdom of Tonga consists of 176 islands in four major groups, Tongatapu Island group, Ha’apai Island group, Vava’u Island group, and the Niu Island group. These islands form a narrow archipelago extending north from the Tropic of Capricorn.
There are many natural wonders in Tonga, and it is also one of the only places in the world where you can swim with humpback whales.
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply: Please apply for this opportunity through our website. For more information or if you have any questions on this assignment, you are welcome to email our recruitment team at: volunteer@vsa.org.nz. Noting that due to our VSA funding requirements, our volunteers must be a NZ citizen or NZ Permanent Resident to progress further in our recruitment process.
What’s included
Included when you join us
VSA organises and fully funds return economy-class international flights between New Zealand and your host country, plus any approved domestic travel connected to your assignment.
You’re covered under VSA’s comprehensive travel and medical insurance policy, which also includes emergency evacuation and personal belongings coverage. Before departure, you’ll receive full information on what’s covered and how to access support.
VSA arranges and funds safe, furnished accommodation throughout your assignment, whether you're in a capital or rural location. A housing checklist ensures your needs are met for comfort and security.
You’ll receive a modest monthly living allowance, paid into a local bank account, designed to cover essentials like food, transport, and utilities. This is in line with VSA’s cost-of-living support for volunteers.
Before you leave, VSA provides a multi-day residential briefing in Wellington, fully funded by VSA. This includes cultural orientation, language training, health and safety guidelines, and logistical preparation to get you deployment-ready
From your first day on assignment, you’ll have strong in-country support from VSA staff, Programme Managers and Coordinators, who provide orientation, security briefings, pastoral care, and ongoing assistance throughout your placement.
Preparation
How to prepare?
Be prepared for a comprehensive recruitment journey. This includes initial screening, background checks, and two interviews, one of which is a panel interview with a subject matter expert. Only after successfully completing these steps will you receive a provisional offer and begin the onboarding process. It’s essential to wait for VSA’s confirmation before making significant life changes, such as resigning from your job or selling property, as there may be delays in immigration or medical clearances.
Once accepted, you'll be invited to attend a multi-day residential briefing in Wellington. This course equips you with tools for success, covering cultural orientation, safety protocols, health preparation, and assignment logistics. It’s also a great opportunity to connect with other outgoing volunteers.
Volunteering abroad can be both deeply rewarding and personally challenging. Conditions may be unfamiliar, and change is often constant. Bring flexibility, a sense of humour, and a willingness to learn from others, you’ll grow alongside the community you’re there to support.
You’ll need to complete a health screening and ensure all required vaccinations are up to date. VSA provides medical and travel insurance, but you are also responsible for managing your day-to-day wellbeing. Think about how you'll maintain mental and physical health while overseas.
VSA asks volunteers to become ambassadors for the kaupapa. You will be asked to fundraise $1,000 to support the programme and raise awareness about your assignment. We provide resources and guidance to help you share your story and connect your networks with the impact of your work.
The platform we ask you to use is Raisely.
From visa applications to police checks and health forms, there are a few critical administrative tasks before departure. Our team will guide you through the steps to make sure everything is completed on time and with ease.
