Sustainable is excited to bring you an Insect Intrigue evening in Waimārama (Hawke's Bay), to learn all about our local insects with Guest experts and the SHB Biodiversity team!
From those that dwell in the depths to those that take to sky at night & flock to light...come learn about our lesser known and understood critters.

What to expect:
📆 12 April 2025 | Waimārama (location will be emailed following registration) | Free Event - Spaces limited, registration essential.

Event kicks off at 4.30pm sharp and runs until 7.30pm.
Free, good old fashioned Sausage sizzle included!
After dinner we will split into two groups and rotate between the Mothing and Freshwater Macroinvertebrate activities.

Guest Speakers:
Richard O'Rorke (AUT)- DNADRV citizen science project.
This is an exciting project which aims to collect nationwide insect distribution data by collecting DNA from cars - your cars! cool right!? We are all scientists for the night, and a group of participants will have the chance to participate in this project, preparing under the guidance of Richard and collecting their own insect DNA from their car when they get home after the event! Results will be emailed out to attendees after the event.

Ryan Bauckham (Lepidoptera expert) - Mothing with Ryan the moth man.
Our local moth expert will take groups mothing near the QEII native bush block on the property. You'll get to hear about why moths are so fascinating and important, and get up close with these beautiful species that just can't resist Ryan's specialised light.

Aimey Tahu & Jane Gardiner (Sustainable HB Biodiversity team) - Freshwater macroinvertebrates
Join our in-house insect enthusiasts to learn about freshwater macroinvertebrates! What are they? Why are they important? How do we measure them? Plus have a look at some real live and wiggly samples collected from the nearby Waingōngoro awa - keep your distance or get up close and personal using a microscope. Take a shot at identifying some of these critters and wish them farewell before they are returned back to their home stream.

If you are a fellow insect enthusiast who would like to share your insecty passions on the night, please contact us!

Can't wait to see you there!

After registering please check your emails as information for the event including event location and attendee checklist will be sent out, and notifications i.e. cancellation due to bad weather.