Bees Buzzing Through Wellington 2

Another chance for me to showcase some of the Bee in the City sculptures that are causing a stir in Wellington in October 2026. Most of the bees are large but some of them are smaller and displayed in twos or threes.

This week I want to show you some glittering bees, a surprise and an original but rare real bee.

All That’s Gold and Glitters

An interpretation of William Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice quote:

“All that glisters is not gold;
Often have you heard that told:
Many a man his life hath sold
But my outside to behold:
Gilded tombs do worms enfold.”

The bee is rather fine and delicately painted with foliage and small bees.

The Masked Flyer Bee

A rare bee from New Zealand. I thought you might like to read a bit from it’s website bio.

Hylaeus relegatus, a native New Zealand masked bee, perches on a rock in water, a quiet pause before the day begins. Inspired by stillness, this piece celebrates an often-overlooked endemic pollinator and the balance between these vital creatures and their environment.

Bee in the City

Icons

This bee was painted by children from Totara Park School (TOE-tara) and incudes many things important to their school and local area.

Buzzy Bee

The iconic Buzzy Bee toy rests on Lambton Quay, the Golden Mile for retail shopping. “First produced in the 1930s, Buzzy Bee became a beloved symbol of post-war childhood and remains a cherished piece of Kiwiana.” You can read about the famous toy here.

• Behind it stands the sculpture ‘Invisible City’ by Anton Parsons. The short history behind it can be read here. The Braille is a touching epitaph to blind lecturer Peter Beatson’s guide dog, which can be read at the link.

I hope you have enjoyed these sparkling bees. They have certainly brought Wellington alive this spring.

Marjorie Dawson

Cat Photographer, Instructor and Writer

Marjorie is an award-winning cat photographer, tutor, and published writer based in New Zealand. A Professional Member of the Cat Writers’ Association, she helps cat lovers strengthen the bond with their pets by improving their photography and editing skills through short how-to videos and encouraging, human written and well-researched posts. Marjorie believes anyone can take amazing photos and show off their cats to purrfection!

Professional Member of the Cat Writers Association,
Winner of the Kuykendall Image Award
Published at the Guardian newspaper