Our People
John & Celia:
Where It All Began
The story of our family business begins with John (Jan) and Celia, who immigrated to New Zealand from Holland after World War II in search of a new life. John was first introduced to beekeeping as a teenager — gifted his very first hive at just 15 — and brought that passion with him to Aotearoa.
After working for another beekeeper to get established, John and Celia eventually purchased the family property in the 1950s, with their three young children in tow. It was there that they founded Milburn Apiaries Ltd, laying the foundations for what would become a multi-generational family legacy. Their hard work, resilience, and love for the land and the bees live on through every jar of honey we produce today.
Allen & Maria:
The Heart of It All
Maria, daughter of John and Celia, grew up in the thick of beekeeping life – and always swore she’d never marry a beekeeper. Then she met Allen, a social worker at the time, and things didn’t quite go to plan. After they married, Allen gradually joined the family business and, over time, became a skilled and passionate beekeeper in his own right. Together, they’ve spent more than 45 years building on the foundation John and Celia laid — growing the business and raising the next generation of honey lovers.
Allen’s creamed honey skills are legendary, with countless awards under his belt and a level of precision that’s hard to match. Though technically “retired,” both Allen and Maria are still very much part of the picture — offering guidance, pitching in when things get busy, and showing the next generation how it’s done. They might not be running the day-to-day anymore, but when the call goes out, they’re never far away.
Carlee, Tim & Aaleeya: Today’s Team
Carlee grew up surrounded by bees, honey, and the rhythms of the family business — but for a long time, she never imagined it would be her path. After exploring a career in aviation and spending years away from home, she eventually felt the pull of the land, the legacy, and the opportunity to build something meaningful with her family. Now back as the third generation, she’s proud of where it all began and full of ideas for where it’s heading.
Tim — Carlee’s other half — grew up between Arrowtown and Christchurch, and like his father-in-law, Allen, “accidentally” became a beekeeper. He still flies full-time as an airline pilot, but over the years he’s become increasingly involved in the day-to-day of the business. Whether it’s helping out with the bees, lending a hand in the factory, or fixing something around the place, he brings a steady hand, practical skills, and a good dose of humour to the team.
Still at school, fourth-generation Aaleeya is already making her mark. She’s a quick study in the factory, a sharp negotiator when it comes to wages—and always lobbying for “just one more” animal to join the menagerie. A book lover, sports fanatic, and never shy of hard work (especially if there’s pocket money involved), she keeps the rest of us on our toes and smiling.
Together, this trio bridges experience, fresh perspective, and youthful energy — keeping the legacy alive while steering it into the future.