A Copper

But not one of the local constabulary.

This is one of New Zealands few native butterflies, called a copper. I can't decide whether it is a 'common copper' or 'Rauparaha's Copper' (named after a Maori Chief of the area in which it is commonly found .) I tend to think it is the latter, which makes the plant it is on a small leaf pohuehue, as that is the only thing the caterpillars eat.

The remarkable thing about this butterfly is that it is tiny - the wing span is just 2-3 cm. They flit rapidly, looking like little sparks of fire in the sun. It took a lot of waiting before one settled close enough for a shot.