New Zealand is catching up to Europe in its questioning of a type of pesticide thought to be harmful to bees.

A Parliamentary Committee is recommending more research into "neonic" pesticides - a group which overseas studies have shown can poison bees' central nervous system.

Federated Farmers Bee Industry Chair John Hartnell says Europe has gone so far as to stop the use of neonics, until they can be proven safe.

He says more research here is crucial.

"Based on the knowledge that we have, based on the information that's being fed to us from other parts of the world, there is a big question mark hanging over this particular chemical family."

Meanwhile, an environmental activist's buzzed that Parliament's taking her views on bees seriously.

Petitioner, and former Green MP, Sue Kedgley, didn't expect to get such a response.

"I had, I must say, completely given up hope that they would ever address it and let alone take it seriously.

"So it's a very pleasant surprise and I'm delighted with some of their recommendations."