Eye On Nature 2026

Last week, the Pest Free Howick Ward team had the pleasure of taking part in the Eye on Nature schools event, delivered by Beautification Trust at the Auckland Botanic Gardens. Set within such a beautiful and biodiverse space, the event brought together schools and environmental organisations from across the region to celebrate and connect with te taiao.

This year’s theme, “Grow with te taiao,” really resonated with us. It speaks to the idea that healthy ecosystems are built through many interconnected parts, and that our role is not only to protect nature, but to understand and grow alongside it. Inspired by this, we chose to take a slightly different approach to our usual kaupapa.

Rather than focusing solely on pest animals, we wanted to shift the lens and highlight some of the often overlooked, but incredibly important contributors to a thriving ngahere: bugs.

Led by our bug expert and Community Activator, Peter, our stall invited students to step into the fascinating, up-close world of invertebrates. Over four days, we welcomed 461 students, teachers, and parents from 12 schools across Howick and South Auckland. Armed with mini microscopes and a sense of curiosity, participants explored leaf litter, logs, and natural materials to discover the incredible diversity of life that exists beneath our feet.

From spiders and ants to cockroaches, flies, and a whole host of other many-legged creatures, it was amazing to see the excitement and wonder these small critters sparked. For many, it was a chance to see bugs not as something to be avoided, but as essential players in healthy ecosystems - helping to break down organic matter, recycle nutrients, and support the growth of the ngahere.

A big part of the experience was encouraging tamariki to slow down, observe closely, and ask questions. These moments of curiosity are often where deeper connections to nature begin, and where future kaiawhina are inspired.

It was an incredibly rewarding week, not only for the engagement with students, but also for the opportunity to be alongside like-minded organisations, all working to foster a stronger connection between people and the environment. The energy, enthusiasm, and passion shown by the tamariki was truly inspiring, and a reminder of the important role education and hands-on experiences play in growing a more environmentally connected community.