New Zealand Preying Mantis

You have to like these fellows. New Zealand Preying Mantis. We have not seen one in our garden for a year or more. South African variety is has taken over even with squishing every one we see including the egg cases.
Note the purple spot and the short thorax. SA Variety - No purple spot and long thorax (8~10mm)

Pukeko ripping up our wetland

If you were wondering what Pukeko do at night apart from screeching and chasing one another about they could be ripping up your wetland.

Weta

Went for an evening walk with our headlamps looking for Geckos and found this lovely lady. Female Tree Weta.
Hidden away in holes in the Manuka and Kanuka during the day. Out at night to feed on foliage.