The Kiwi Art Trail spreads its wings this summer  

We’re excited to announce the return of the Kiwi Art Trail following the resounding success of last year's inaugural event in Auckland. This summer, the art installation that features 20 kiwi sculptures, is travelling to four North Island cities. Tauranga, Napier and Whangārei are confirmed host cities with the final city to be announced soon.

The Kiwi Art Trail, brought to you by Gallagher, showcases bespoke pieces of art by talented New Zealand artists including Otis Frizzell, Kura Te Waru Rewiri and Flox. The free, family-friendly art installation celebrates the country’s national icon and builds awareness and support for kiwi conservation efforts.

At the end of the trail, the sculptures will be auctioned to raise funds for Save the Kiwi, an organisation dedicated to reversing the decline of the national kiwi population. Last year’s sculptures raised $90,000 for the cause. 

Student winner Abby Taylor part way through completing her sculpture

Abby's design 'wingless' wins school competition

This year, the trail will also feature a sculpture by Abby Taylor, a 14 year old, year 9 student at Pakuranga College. Abby’s outstanding design ‘Wingless’ was selected from more than 1800 entries in the Kiwi Art Trail school competition.

When Abby heard her design had won she was “surprised, but very happy. Realising that I have the ability to do something like this is very cool,” she says. 

Abby’s design was Inspired by the Māori legend 'How the kiwi lost its wings’. Abby explains, “I drew inspiration from the legend of how the kiwi sacrificed its wings to protect the ground. I incorporated wing bones and the letters 'INRI,' typically found on crucifixes, symbolising self-sacrifice."

At the end of the trail Abby’s kiwi will be proudly displayed permanently at Pakuranga College. As part of her prize, Abby and her family will visit the Gallagher Kiwi Burrow, a specialist kiwi incubation and brooding facility in Taupō.

Kiwi Art Trail locations

The Kiwi Art Trail kicks off in Tauranga this October for four weeks before moving to Napier in November and Whangārei in January. Keep an eye out for updates on the remaining host city so you don’t miss the stunning event this summer. 

Visit kiwiarttrail.nz for information on the artists and where you can view the art works.