Anneka Hyde

Biography

Ahoj, jak se máte? My name is Neka, and I’m a Czech-Kiwi from the small town of Kaeo in the Far North. Growing up between two countries and cultures, and often hosting international guests, I quickly learned that communication wasn’t always about words. Sometimes, it meant a game of charades, distilling sentences to their essence, or even sketching a quick drawing on the back of an envelope. On top of that, my struggles with dyslexia made me realise early on that design could be a powerful tool for conveying ideas and information.

I started exploring design in high school, and it’s been a journey that’s led me all the way to my final year of undergraduate study. Coming from a farming background, my projects often focus on animals—whether it’s creating websites for rare breeds or redesigning field day apps. In recent years, I’ve also done design work for some key players in the pest control industry, so my university work reflects this professional direction as well. While my university projects have been New Zealand-focused, my true passion lies in traditional Czech folk design. I express this interest through various mediums, including painting, embroidery, and, more recently, pottery.

Project Description

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of 'Life on Land,' my project addresses biodiversity loss and the threat of invasive pests. Education is key to achieving this goal, yet there is a lack of resources for teaching about pests and their impact. Protectors & Pests is an educational board game I designed to teach players about invasive pests, pest control, and their effects on local species. Targeted at science and sustainability students, as well as nature groups and families, the game aims to raise awareness and understanding of pest issues in New Zealand, promoting sustainable, informed solutions.

Protectors & Pests