Summary
Ruud Kleinpaste, also known as The Bugman, is well known as a presenter on the former Palmers Garden Show and Maggie’s Garden Show. Ruud moved to New Zealand in 1978 and was appointed Scientific Advisor for the Nature Conservation Council, Department of Lands & Survey in 1979.
He has worked in a number of entomological roles for the DSIR Mt Albert Research Centre, the NZ Forest Service (on an 18-month contract studying the population of Brown Kiwis in the Waitangi State Forest) and the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries. He is currently a member of the Bank of New Zealand Kiwi Recovery Trust.
Since the late 80’s Ruud has contributed to or hosted a number of television shows, both in New Zealand and the United States, on entomology and natural history, and a documentary on the history of farming in New Zealand. He hosts a regular talkback show on NewsTalk ZB, is a freelance writer and author of ’Scratching for a Living - the Bugman reflects on his creepy crawly friends’. When he is not working on media projects, he does research, or works as a consulting entomologist for Government Departments and private companies ... or prepares for the next eco-tour he wants to lead.
Ruud is passionate about nature, natural resources, ecology and environment-friendly living and can talk for "daayyss" about his hobbies, particularly insects and spiders. He relates facts about insects and "creepy crawlies" in an entertaining and informative manner that is relevant to his audience.
Television
Ruud Kleinpaste, also known as The Bugman, is well known as a presenter on the former Palmers Garden Show and Maggie’s Garden Show. Ruud moved to New Zealand in 1978 and was appointed Scientific Advisor for the Nature Conservation Council, Department of Lands & Survey in 1979.
He has worked in a number of entomological roles for the DSIR Mt Albert Research Centre, the NZ Forest Service (on an 18-month contract studying the population of Brown Kiwis in the Waitangi State Forest) and the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries. He is currently a member of the Bank of New Zealand Kiwi Recovery Trust.
Since the late 80’s Ruud has contributed to or hosted a number of television shows, both in New Zealand and the United States, on entomology and natural history, and a documentary on the history of farming in New Zealand. He hosts a regular talkback show on NewsTalk ZB, is a freelance writer and author of ’Scratching for a Living - the Bugman reflects on his creepy crawly friends’. When he is not working on media projects, he does research, or works as a consulting entomologist for Government Departments and private companies ... or prepares for the next eco-tour he wants to lead.
Ruud is passionate about nature, natural resources, ecology and environment-friendly living and can talk for "daayyss" about his hobbies, particularly insects and spiders. He relates facts about insects and "creepy crawlies" in an entertaining and informative manner that is relevant to his audience.
Science, Communication
Dutch*, French, German
Dutch, French Intermediate, German, Spanish - Beginner
Autoharp, Keyboards, Piano
Presenting-Science, Public Speaking, Radio Presenting, Story Telling, TV Presenting, Voice Over
Bird Handling (experienced), Entomologist, Fire Walk Instructor (experienced), Horticulture, Photography, Presenter, Public Speaker, Scientist (qualified), Story Telling