In a groundbreaking New Zealand first, 120,000 honeybees are hitting the road inside an electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz that’s affectionately known as Polly the Pollinator. Two active colonies are travelling the North Island on a mission to follow the “honey flow of flowers,” turning heads and sparking conversations about sustainability, biodiversity, and the essential role bees play in our food systems.
To find out how this extraordinary project came to life, we spoke with James Green from Hidden Honey, who shared how Polly was built, how the bees are cared for on the road, and what message they hope to spread across Aotearoa.
Creating a Beecosystem on Wheels
Transporting bees isn’t as simple as placing a hive in a vehicle and hitting the road. According to James, it requires careful planning to make sure the bees stay safe and comfortable.
“That’s why every detail on the ID. Buzz build was made with bee welfare in mind,” he says. “Inside, the van has been adapted to maintain a stable environment for the two active colonies, creating the ideal ‘beecosystem.’ A custom Hivemind system monitors temperature and air quality to help prevent overheating and reduce stress during travel. It’s powered by the van’s existing tech, with a few tweaks to make it work for the bees’ needs.”
“We’ve also added two small bee hatches on either side of the van, connected to clear tubes that allow the bees to safely exit and re-enter when we’re parked,” he continues. “The van also only travels at night, once the bees have naturally returned to the hive and are settled, which helps keep their routine as undisturbed as possible.
“And because bees are sensitive to fumes, the fact that the ID. Buzz is fully electric was key. It means cleaner air and a quieter ride, which both help keep the bees calm.”
The Message Behind Polly the Pollinator
When asked what message they most want to share with New Zealanders, James doesn’t hesitate: “Bees are incredible little beings, quietly shaping our world.”
“It’s important we all know that by doing small things like planting bee-friendly blooms and supporting local beekeepers, we can all help to take care of them,” he says.
From Flower Power to Climate Action
The partnership between Volkswagen and Hidden Honey pays homage to the legacy of the iconic Kombi van, reimagined for a new era of environmental consciousness.
“The ID. Buzz really does feel like a modern-day evolution of the classic Kombi,” says James, “and that’s something I can speak to personally, having owned a Kombi myself. There’s a certain spirit that comes with driving one: freedom, connection to the land, and a sense of purpose. That’s exactly what we’ve tried to carry through with Polly the Pollinator and this Pollination Tour.”
“The original Kombi was all about movement and meaning—it became a symbol of counterculture, of people coming together to challenge the status quo and live more consciously. In many ways, that’s what this project is about, too. We’re using the ID. Buzz not just as a vehicle, but as a platform to spark conversations around sustainability, biodiversity, and the role we all play in protecting our environment.”
Bringing Bees to the People
As Polly visits farmers’ markets throughout the North Island, including Whanganui and Wellington, community engagement and education are at the heart of the mission.
“Our approach is all about making pollination feel accessible and relevant,” says James. “We’ll have the Hivemind and the actual hives for people to see up close, and I’ll be there to share fun facts about bees and simple ways people can support pollinators at home.”
“The most tangible action we’ll be encouraging is planting pollinator-friendly flowers by giving away seed for visitors to take home,” he adds. “It’s something anyone can do, whether they have a backyard or just a few pots on a balcony. Ultimately, it’s about showing that small changes can make a big difference, and that everyone has a role to play in supporting pollinators.”
Following the Honey Flow
James says the journey is a carefully orchestrated migration that mirrors nature’s own rhythm.
“The route for Polly the Pollinator was carefully planned to follow the natural honey flow, which moves from north to south as flowers bloom with the warmer weather,” he explains. “This ensures the bees are travelling in sync with seasonal pollination patterns.
“Stops at farmers’ markets are a key part of the journey as they’re designed to raise awareness about pollination and connect directly with local communities. Also, because bees can only fly around three to five kilometres from their hives, travelling with them in the van allows the colonies to reach areas they wouldn’t be able to access on their own—filling some of the pollination gaps.”
Lessons from the Hive
After eight years of caring for bees alongside her brothers at Hidden Honey, James says his respect for them continues to grow.
“Through my time working with bees, I have found it so fascinating how they have their own inner bee system,” she says. “Every bee has a job to do in the hive, from nurturing the brood and eggs, to security and undertakers. The pinnacle of their lives is out foraging for pollen and nectar. Each job is so critical to the survival of the hive.
“The most rewarding aspect of working with bees is seeing a happy, healthy hive in the middle of summer, out collecting nectar and pollen—running like a well-oiled machine.”
A Buzz Worth Following
As Polly the Pollinator continues her journey across the North Island, she represents more than an inventive mobile hive. She’s a rolling reminder of what’s possible when design, innovation, and environmental care come together.
Or, as James puts it best: “It’s about showing that everyone can play a role in supporting pollinators—and that protecting bees protects us all.”
Catch James, Polly and all their friends at the Wellington Harbourside Market on 26 October.
