Pūteketeke / Crested Grebe
Bird of the century. Icon for the ages.
Feast your eyes on the magnificent Pūteketeke, the slender-necked, punk-plumed showstopper that captivated the world during Bird of the Century. Known for its outlandish synchronized courtship dances, the Pūteketeke (or Great Crested Grebe) isn’t just a master of style and grace — it's now a pop-culture legend.
Made famous by The Last Week Tonight feature and John Oliver's hilarious campaign blitz, this waterbird has gone from overlooked to iconic. While our original limited-edition John Oliver versions are sold out, we’ve added a few slightly imperfect clip-on Johns to our seconds — available as an add-on for just $15. Get one before they vanish (again).
✓ 37cm high × 36cm wide, approx. 1kg
✓ Easy to send – packed in our large flat box (39cm × 34cm × 1cm)
✓ Same-day dispatch – on orders placed before 2pm weekdays
✓ Locally made – cut in a family-owned NZ workshop
✓ Crafted from 3mm Corten® steel – weathers beautifully outdoors
✓ Long-lasting art – made to stand strong through the seasons
Style With
Pūteketeke / Crested Grebe







AS SEEN IN








Each Metalbird is crafted from Corten® Steel, a premium, weathering steel made to last.
When it meets the elements, it doesn’t rust like your old BBQ. It transforms.
That change you’re seeing? That’s patina. A tough, protective outer layer that seals the steel, adds character, and preserves your bird for decades.
This isn’t paint. It’s nature’s way of ageing gracefully.
The Patina Process:

At first, you’ll notice bright orange spots (we call this the teenage phase). Soon enough, the whole bird will turn a bold orange, slowly shifting into deep burnt umber. Eventually, it settles into a moody charcoal that feels like it’s always belonged.
The Result? A piece of industrial art with a heartbeat. No peeling, no fading, just a bird that gets better with age.