A Hamilton project that brings a slice of nature to the city is finally opening, after ten long years

Waiwhakareke is an ecological restoration project turning former farmland into an indigenous nature park.

Bug expert Ruud Kleinpaste is thrilled to be at the opening of the 35 hectare "urban island".

He says he's excited to search for bugs under logs and in the soil, to show visitors what biodiversity looks like.

It's thought threatened native birds such as kiwi or takahe could find a home in the park.