Pollinator Power: How to Create a Native New Zealand Bee-Friendly Garden

New Zealand Native Bees can sometimes be mistaken for small pests.

Spring has well and truly arrived, and with it, a buzz of activity from one of Aotearoa’s smallest yet most vital garden visitors: the beautiful buzzing bees. While most people think of honeybees when they hear the word “bee,” New Zealand is actually home to 28 species of native bees, and they’re just as important to our ecosystems, if not more so.

Creating a bee-friendly native garden is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to support biodiversity, boost pollination, and keep your backyard thriving this spring. Never fear, Native Restorations is here to ensure our native bees have the best gardens to feed on.

Meet New Zealand’s Native Bees

Unlike the European honeybee (Apis mellifera), New Zealand’s native bees don’t live in hives or produce honey. Instead, they are solitary pollinators — nesting in small burrows in the ground, hollow stems, or sandy banks. In fact, many of Aotearoa’s native bees never even meet their parents. Instead, the trees beneath which they are born act as their guardians, offering shelter, nourishment, and protection throughout their brief but vital existence – cue the native plants!

New Zealand’s native bees don’t produce honey because they live solitary lives, nesting in the ground rather than forming large social colonies like honeybees. Instead of working collectively to store honey for a hive’s winter survival, each native bee independently forages, builds its own nest, and raises its offspring within individual burrows.

These native bees are quieter, smaller, and often go unnoticed, but their contribution is huge.

According to research published by the Department of Conservation, native bees are particularly effective at pollinating native plant species that evolved alongside them, such as Mānuka, Pōhutukawa, and Kōwhai.

Native bees are also key pollinators for many agricultural crops, helping sustain the natural balance between native and cultivated ecosystems. Unfortunately, their populations are declining due to habitat loss, pesticides, and competition from exotic species.

Why Spring is the Season of Pollination

Spring in Aotearoa is nature’s grand opening act. When flowering natives burst into bloom and pollinators emerge from hibernation. For native bees, this is their most active and crucial period.

During the spring months (September–November), bees are busy collecting nectar and pollen to feed their larvae. A well-planted native garden becomes a lifeline, providing continuous food sources, shelter, and safe nesting areas.

According to research, diverse native plantings can dramatically improve pollinator survival rates by extending the flowering season and supporting multiple bee species simultaneously.

In short, if you’re planting this spring, think pollinators first!

Top Native Plants for a Bee-Friendly Garden

Hebe (Veronica species) are simply adored by native bees

The best pollinator gardens are designed to bloom across the seasons. By mixing early, mid, and late-flowering natives, you’ll ensure there’s always something on offer for local bees.

Here are some native plant heroes to include in your spring planting plan:

Mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium)

One of the most famous native species, and an irresistible magnet for native bees. Its small white or pink flowers are rich in nectar and bloom from spring through early summer. Mānuka also helps stabilise soil and attract other beneficial insects.

Kōwhai (Sophora microphylla)

A true spring icon. Both native bees and birds such as Tui and Bellbirds adore Kōwhai’s bright yellow flowers. It’s one of the first trees to flower after winter, offering an early-season nectar source.

Hebe (Veronica species)

Available in a range of sizes and colours, Hebes provide a long flowering window, often from spring right through into the chilly months of autumn. Their compact shape also makes them ideal for smaller gardens.

Harakeke (Flax – Phormium tenax)

A staple in any native landscape. Harakeke’s tall flower stalks are buzzing with pollinators each spring. It’s also drought-tolerant and visually stunning.

Rengarenga (Arthropodium cirratum)

A soft, elegant groundcover with starry white flowers that attract bees and butterflies alike. Perfect for shaded garden areas or under trees.

Pittosporum (Kōhūhū and Lemonwood varieties)

These shrubs and small trees are resilient, fragrant, and provide year-round structure while offering pollen-rich blooms for native bees.

Creating Habitat for Native Bees

The great news is our native bees don’t need much to thrive. But they do need undisturbed ground, sunny patches, and access to shelter. Here’s how to make your garden a true haven for them:

• Leave some bare soil patches – many species nest in the ground, so avoid over-mulching every inch.

• Use natural materials – hollow stems or sandy mounds make ideal nesting spots.

• Avoid synthetic pesticides or sprays, especially during flowering seasons.

• Create diversity – mix trees, shrubs, and groundcovers for continuous bloom and shelter.

• Let nature get a bit messy – leaf litter, old logs, and twig piles are perfect micro-habitats.

At Native Restorations, we encourage gardeners to think of their backyard as a mini-ecosystem. And small actions can have big results, particularly for our busy spring pollinators.

Why Supporting Pollinators Matters

Without pollinators, 80% of flowering plants would struggle to reproduce. In New Zealand, that includes both native species and crops such as kiwifruit, clover, and apples.

By planting native, you’re directly helping sustain the pollination network that underpins our biodiversity. It’s also an easy way to connect with your local environment and see visible change, from increased birdlife and bees to healthier soil.

Well-managed native landscapes don’t just look good, they provide measurable ecosystem services like carbon storage, erosion control, and habitat creation.

A Native Garden for the Future

A bee-friendly garden is more than a spring project, it’s an investment in the future of New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna. Native bees, in particular, are part of our natural heritage and deserve the same protection as our birds and trees.

At Native Restorations, we’re proud to help Kiwis create landscapes that support life — from the smallest bee to the tallest tōtara. Whether you’re planning a small garden refresh or a large-scale restoration, our team can help you choose the right native species for your area and soil type.

Together, we can make Marlborough, Nelson, and Kaikōura bloom with biodiversity this spring.

Ready to Get Buzzing?

Let’s bring your garden to life this spring. Visit www.native-restorations.com to explore native planting options or contact our team for expert advice on pollinator-friendly plant choices.

Every native plant counts, and every bee (and bird) will thank you.