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I recently had the enriching experience of engaging with the Chinese community about the wonders of biodiversity through the iNaturalist app. The response and enthusiasm were incredibly heartwarming, revealing a shared curiosity and eagerness to learn.
Discovering a shared passion
In my role, I often have the privilege of meeting people from diverse backgrounds, each with a unique story and perspective. The Chinese community, with its rich cultural heritage and deep connection to nature, has shown a remarkable interest in using iNaturalist. This has opened a new avenue for cultural and environmental exchange.
Captivating stories from the community
Ping, a retired doctor: Ping, who recently moved to Rolleston, was fascinated by the variety of local plants. She and her husband own a farm and they were surprised by helpful the iNaturalist app was to identify the weeds.
Chang, the new residence in Christchurch: Chang was drawn to the app's ability to help identify the diverse insect life in his backyard. His observations became a digital diary of his explorations, capturing the intricate beauty of even the smallest creatures. And he was also keen to hunt wild foods and common vegetables of his newly adopted home country.
Allen, the leader of a Chinese community group: Allen shared how iNaturalist is an invaluable tool for young parents. It empowers them to become “nature experts”, enabling them to help their children broaden their knowledge of plants, insects, and fungi.
Wei, the curious Student: Wei, a student with a keen interest in environmental science, used iNaturalist to snap the various species she encountered during her walks. She expressed how this activity helped her feel more connected to her new environment, seeing similarities and differences with the biodiversity she knew back home.
Why this matters?
The enthusiasm of the Chinese community for iNaturalist underscores the universal appeal of nature. It bridges cultural gaps and fosters a sense of belonging towards the environment. It's not just about the identification of species; it's about creating a shared space where cultural knowledge and environmental awareness intertwine. Many have a strong desire to explore their new home.
Looking ahead
Engaging with the Chinese community has been a journey of mutual learning. It’s not just about sharing knowledge; it’s about building a community that values and protects our natural world. I’m excited to continue this journey, exploring and learning alongside passionate individuals from all walks of life.
As I reflect on these experiences, I'm reminded of the power of curiosity and the joy of discovery. Here's to more adventures in learning and to the growing community of nature enthusiasts!
@jon_sullivan @robcruickshank @smankelow

As the dawn of February 8 unfurled, Riccarton House welcomed an enthusiastic assembly of nature enthusiasts from Christchurch City Council Parks. They gathered in the Dining Room to learn how to use iNaturalist NZ and learn more about Aotearoa’s natural world.
This session was uniquely designed with our council staff in mind - professionals who are already well-versed in the sciences and eager to apply this knowledge in innovative ways to better serve our community.
Under the guidance of Dr Jon Sullivan @jon_sullivan from Lincoln University and Dr Rob Cruickshank @robcruickshank from the University of Canterbury, participants explored the vast capabilities of iNaturalist NZ. The workshop was diligently structured in two parts: an informative session indoors followed by a practical foray into the embrace of Riccarton Bush with the iNaturalist app open on everyone’s smart phones.
The information session was informative and inspiring. While promoting City Nature Challenge, we watched with excitement as 21 observers, equipped with their smartphones catalogued 63 observations, unravelling the diversity of 27 species hidden in Riccarton Bush. The enthusiasm displayed by Christchurch City Council Parks team, particularly during the interactive Q&A segment, highlighted the workshop’s relevance to their daily responsibilities.
Questions ranged from how to integrate iNaturalist into educational programmes for schools, to leveraging the app for more efficient plant identification during fieldwork, highlighting the diverse applications of the tool.
This workshop was not just about numbers; it was about community, about connection to our natural world, and about empowering each individual with the knowledge to make a tangible difference. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to Sarah Mankelow @smankelow and Roslyn Kerr @roslynk for organising this workshop, to Jon and Rob for guiding this exciting learning journey, and to every participant whose efforts have contributed to the conservation narrative of Christchurch.
As we share this post in our community, we celebrate not only the success of the workshop but also the spirit of collaboration that it represents. This enriching experience marks a transformative journey for our Christchurch City Council Parks staff, who are now on their way to becoming iNaturalist NZ ambassadors. Equipped with the skills and knowledge gained from the workshop, they stand ready to engage and educate the wider community, demonstrating first-hand the powerful intersection of technology and nature observation. Let's continue to foster this passion for nature and nurture the seeds of conservation sown within New Zealand.