Kōtuku, 2016
aluminium, stainless steel, automotive two pot paint, galvanised steel, tie rod ends and trailer hubs
3200 x 1100 x 1600 mm
The Rare and Precious White Heron
The Kōtuku came from the heavens, the pet of Io-matua-kore. In one story, it guides Tāne or Māui to the 12th heaven to seek the baskets of knowledge. The Poutama pattern inside the waka references the stairway to the heavens.
The Kōtuku is a solitary bird as it spends most of its time alone, together only once a year to breed. The population was decimated at the turn of the 20th century, as its plumage was particularly sought after to decorate ladies’ hats. On the brink of extinction, a handful of dedicated people nursed the population back to a healthy 150 breeding pairs.
Like us, the Kōtuku lives off the ocean, a finite resource. It is a reminder to manage the seas with great care and respect, and avoid polluting the ocean and contaminating nature’s food chain. A little effort can make positive change for our shared environment.
– Dion Hitchens
