A once-thriving South Island farm, complete with its own airstrip and snow-capped peaks, is headed for auction after a devastating chain of events: two honey businesses collapsed under $21.8 million in debt, forcing receivers to liquidate assets—including the farm itself valued at $6.2 million. The collapse was triggered by an order to destroy 10,000 beehives infected with deadly American foulbrood, a move that left owner Stephen Brown heartbroken, financially ruined, and physically unable to work due to health issues. He’d previously burned $2 million worth of equipment in protest, blaming legal battles and industry pressure for his downfall. Now, the receivers are shutting down operations, closing the on-site cafe “The Hive,” and selling off machinery and the processing plant—all while Brown laments how his profitable farm became collateral damage in a battle to save the wider beekeeping industry.
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