Most of us know that bees are essential pollinators who play a crucial role in our ecosystem. What you might not know is that our native bees (Ngaro huruhuru), (of which there are 28, with 27 being endemic to Aotearoa), don’t produce honey or beehives. Ngaro huruhuru are as vital as ever for understanding the complexity of te aitanga pepeke (the insect world) in climate adaptation.

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Artists Taarn Scott and Hana Pera Aoake (Ngāti Hinerangi, Ngāti Mahuta, Tainui/Waikato, Ngāti Waewae, Tauranga) feel it’s important to draw attention to these replicating systems and patterns that are so integral to our lives and our biodiversity, pollination and produce. These building blocks of life invite us to slow down and notice the cycles of repair and our entanglement as humans with lifeforms big and small.

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Through kōrero, research, and art making, the artists seek a way of gently untangling the paralysing dread of the rapid climate crisis.  Their practice responds to critical ecosystems and life cycles as a way of understanding our evolving climate and landscape in Aotearoa, by writing, making films, sound, drawing, installation, performance, hanging out and making ceramics together.

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All are invited to join us as we open this exhibition in Te Atamira's Whakaari gallery space at 5:30pm on Tuesday 10 February 2026.

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Working image courtesy of the artists, 2025.