The National Beekeepers’ Association is calling for scientific investigation over the use of a new family of pesticides called neonicotinoids it says could be destroying beehives.

It’s feared that neonicotinoids could be the cause of colony collapse disorder, or CCD, which is destroying bee populations around the world.

The National Beekeepers’ Association says the industry is worth around $4 billion to the country, and the environmental risk management authority should investigate the chemicals’ effects.

NBA joint chief executive Daniel Paul says the insecticide affects bees when it leaches into the soil, and is take up by pollen producing plants.

“No-one’s actually quite sure what exactly happens.

“There’s something that they call a ‘sub-lethal’ effect.

“I’m not a scientist, I cannot quantify that, but I understand it does have an effect on their behaviour and their immune systems.”

Daniel Paul says there have been concerns over hive losses in parts of Canterbury and Poverty Bay, and ERMA needs to act now.

“It would be irresponsible not to pursue it. They (bees) are big business, and they are extremely important to a whole range of agribusinesses.

“Without bees, we have no Zepsri, for instance, so we need to look after them!”

The NBA is urging any beekeepers concerned about their own hives to fill out a form on the Association's website, nba.org.nz.