High levels of bee-harming chemical found in NZ maize fields

Concentration of neonicotinoids exceeded environmental guidelines in almost all samples taken in North Island study

New Zealand scientists have found high levels of neonicotinoids, insecticides that are harmful to bees and other pollinating insects, in more than 40 soil samples taken from farms across the North Island.

The samples were taken from maize fields in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato floodplains after local beekeepers reported a succession of hive losses.