Leonard (Len) Robins grew up in Oamaru. He was a cabinet maker in his father's furniture factory, but soon turned his hand to making beehives and started beekeeping seriously.
1908
In 1910 Len moved to Temuka, transporting his beehives by horse drawn and railway wagons. Len was a producer/packer who made everything from the wax foundation through to the floorboards, boxes, frames and lids for his beehives. He raised his own queens.
1910
The New Zealand Co-Operative Honey Producers Association was formed in 1913. Len’s supplier number was 4 and this number was retained for the marketing of the honey right through to the Honey Marketing Authority days.
1913
Apex Brand Honey was launched and sold from North Cape to Bluff. Beeswax was exported overseas.
1914
Len’s daily commute in the early days was by his trusted Douglas motorcycle and his first Model T truck. Len is pictured here with his Morris Commercial C-Type truck in the 1930’s.
1930
Len was instrumental in unifying and promoting the beekeeping industry. He was the Dominion President for the National Beekeepers Association in 1939 and a Director of New Zealand Honey Limited and a member of the Honey Control Board during the same period. There are many extracts in the New Zealand Beekeeper noting his involvement.
1939
Len was made a life member of the National Beekeepers Association with his efforts of traveling and promoting the industry.
1952
The Robins family and the plant moved from Temuka to Pleasant Point in 1953 to centralise the business. The plant was housed in a shed which Len relocated from Timaru and rebuilt at Pleasant Point in 1953.
1953
As the packaging side of the business continued to grow the machine was upgraded and was in use until 1963.
1955
Beekeeping was now part of the Robins daily life. Len’s youngest son, Stephen (Steve) grew up with beekeeping, spending most school holidays and his time after school learning the art of beekeeping.
1959
Steve purchased the business and made changes to expand production.
1968
Steve’s focus on good hive management ensured marked increases in bulk honey production.
1970
Robins Honey supplied the Honey Marketing Authority, which became the New Zealand Honey Producers Co-Operative Limited until 2015.
1972
Recognising the benefits of unprocessed honey, Robins Honey were one of the early producers to harvest and market Comb honey.
1975
Steve expanded the business, purchasing the Waimate end of McKenzie Beelines. This allowed Robins Honey to diversify, and grow the business.
1977
In the early years of beekeeping, transportation of hives was done manually. In 1980 a hiab crane was purchased. This acquisition proved to be a real time saver, as well being good for the back.
1980
Steve has spent a number of years assisting other beekeepers and sharing his knowledge of beekeeping.
1998
Robins Honey was established in 1910. Click on the dates below to read about some of our important milestones
1908
Leonard (Len) Robins grew up in Oamaru. He was a cabinet maker in his father's furniture factory, but soon turned his hand to making beehives and started beekeeping seriously.
1910
In 1910 Len moved to Temuka, transporting his beehives by horse drawn and railway wagons. Len was a producer/packer who made everything from the wax foundation through to the floorboards, boxes, frames and lids for his beehives. He raised his own queens.
1913
The New Zealand Co-Operative Honey Producers Association was formed in 1913. Len’s supplier number was 4 and this number was retained for the marketing of the honey right through to the Honey Marketing Authority days.
1914
Apex Brand Honey was launched and sold from North Cape to Bluff. Beeswax was exported overseas.
1930
Len’s daily commute in the early days was by his trusted Douglas motorcycle and his first Model T truck. Len is pictured here with his Morris Commercial C-Type truck in the 1930’s.
1939
Len was instrumental in unifying and promoting the beekeeping industry. He was the Dominion President for the National Beekeepers Association in 1939 and a Director of New Zealand Honey Limited and a member of the Honey Control Board during the same period. There are many extracts in the New Zealand Beekeeper noting his involvement.
1952
Len was made a life member of the National Beekeepers Association with his efforts of traveling and promoting the industry.
1953
The Robins family and the plant moved from Temuka to Pleasant Point in 1953 to centralise the business. The plant was housed in a shed which Len relocated from Timaru and rebuilt at Pleasant Point in 1953.
1955
As the packaging side of the business continued to grow the machine was upgraded and was in use until 1963.
1959
Beekeeping was now part of the Robins daily life. Len’s youngest son, Stephen (Steve) grew up with beekeeping, spending most school holidays and his time after school learning the art of beekeeping.
1968
Steve purchased the business and made changes to expand production.
1970
Steve’s focus on good hive management ensured marked increases in bulk honey production.
1972
Robins Honey supplied the Honey Marketing Authority, which became the New Zealand Honey Producers Co-Operative Limited until 2015.
1975
Recognising the benefits of unprocessed honey, Robins Honey were one of the early producers to harvest and market Comb honey.
1977
Steve expanded the business, purchasing the Waimate end of McKenzie Beelines. This allowed Robins Honey to diversify, and grow the business.
1980
In the early years of beekeeping, transportation of hives was done manually. In 1980 a hiab crane was purchased. This acquisition proved to be a real time saver, as well being good for the back.
1998
Steve has spent a number of years assisting other beekeepers and sharing his knowledge of beekeeping.
Re-launch of the Robins Honey brand.
Today
Today
Re-launch of the Robins Honey brand.
