Story: Communes and communities

Beeville

A resident picks apples at Beeville, near Morrinsville, in a 1970s photo by Ans Westra. Founded in 1933, the anarchist community of Beeville grew out of the extended family of Ray Hansen. Honey production provided a major part of the community's income – hence the name Beeville.

Listen to Beeville founder Ray Hansen talk about the community's ethos of responsible individual freedom, which sometimes led it into conflict with authority, particularly over military service and taxes.

 

Using this item

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Reference: O.008998
Photograph by Ans Westra

Permission of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

Sound file from Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision. Any re-use of this audio is a breach of copyright. To request a copy of the recording, contact Ngā Taonga (Beeville/Reference number 292763).

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How to cite this page:

Caren Wilton, 'Communes and communities - Early communities', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/speech/28106/beeville (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Caren Wilton, published 5 May 2011, reviewed & revised 4 Apr 2018