It's a bit of a buzz kill. Bee keepers in Northland say their hives are being stolen - up to as many as 300 in the past few months as more people chase high returns from manuka honey.
The demand has led to increased tension in the industry, with the honey now fetching prices of up to $28 a kilo.
So after a string of thefts - those being targeted decided to take matters into their own hands - and it appears they make quite good detectives.
Today a 20-year-old Northland man appeared in court charged with theft, and police say it was all down to work of those from the Whangerei bee club.
Kate King went to find out more about the honey war.
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