Hello, Jasper, way Down Under! I lived in Auckland for 18 months in 1980-81 while serving as the US Vice Consul. That horrid bug you are shown with in one picture reminds me of the dreaded Weta bugs that we saw in our yards in New Zealand. Here is a link for more information:

http://www.whatsthatbug.com/2009/01/...m-australia-2/

Pretty sure it's the same critter.

Anyhow, don't let him nip your whiskers!

Kisses and hugs (and a big shout out to all your fellow New Zealanders; it's a beautiful country)