The New Zealand velvet worm or ngāokeoke has been crowned bug of the year for 2025. The ancient gummy-looking worm, covered in velvety blue colouration and orange spots, is estimated to have been around in Aotearoa for 500 million years.

Of all the bugs New Zealanders could have selected to win an international competition, they chose neither the prettiest, nor the most useful.

New Zealand is well known for its Bird of the Year competition, which has seen winners ranging from a delightfully round, drunk pigeon to a rogue bat. But did you know it awards a “Bug of the Year” too?