Ruud Kleinpaste is a familiar face to New Zealand television viewers. Known affectionately as “The Bugman,” he has been a regular feature on several tv and radio shows, and has written articles and a book advocating for the small things in life – insects.

While possibly best known for his crusade for small critters, Ruud’s background is silviculture, animal ecology and conservation.  Since immigrating to New Zealand in 1978, he has worked in a number of jobs, including 18-months studying the ecology of the Brown Kiwi in Waitangi State Forest. 

Today Ruud’s working life is a mosaic of lecturing in plant protection in his home city, Auckland, media projects, research and acting as a consultant entomologist for government departments.  He also leads eco-tours to little bits of paradise all over the world.

Among that busy schedule, Ruud is also a trustee of the Bank of New Zealand Save the Kiwi Trust, Project Crimson, the Little Barrier Island (Hauturu) Supporters Trust, and the Auckland Zoo Charitable Trust, and patron of ‘Keep New Zealand Beautiful’.