Start getting ready for Bug of the Year 2026!
Hosted by the Entomological Society of NZ the Bug of the Year competition opens for voting on January 1st, but you can submit your suggestions for nominees at any time using the link on their website.
Aotearoa is home to thousands of fascinating insects, spiders, slugs, snails, centipedes, springtails and other “bugs”. These bugs make up more than half of our animal diversity and many of them are found nowhere else on the planet! Bugs are vital for the health of our ecosystems: they are food for our birds and fish, they pollinate our crops and flowers, and they keep our soils aerated, our waste decomposed and our backyard buzzing.
When you vote, you can choose up to three of your favourite bugs. More information on each of the nominees is available by clicking on the image on the homepage. Take your time before you make your decision – you only get to vote once. There are some neat insects that deserve a closer inspection!
Voting opens on January 1st and closes in Febrary (date TBC - we have guessed it will be Feb 16th but will confirm soon!), so it's the perfect activity for families or a fun way to start the school year.
Click on the 'Register' button to visit the official website, with lots of great resources.
