Ruru / Morepork

Name: Ruru / Morepork
Brand: Metalbird New Zealand
SKU: NZ-REG-RURU
Price: 79.99 NZD
Availability: OutOfStock

$79.99

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Description

More heard than seen, but always unforgettable.

The elusive Ruru (Morepork) is New Zealand’s only surviving native owl, known for its eerie echoing call that fills the forest after dark. With 270-degree neck rotation and silent flight, it’s a master of the night, hunting insects, mice, and lizards with eerie precision. Its golden eyes have long been woven into Māori mythology — symbolising watchfulness, wisdom, and a connection to the spirit world.

Cut from 3mm Corten® steel, this piece develops a warm, rusty patina over time and blends beautifully into the outdoor landscape. Whether perched among trees or silhouetted against the moonlight, this striking sculpture brings the mystique of the forest to your own backyard.

✓ 31cm high × 24cm wide, approx. 300g
✓ Easy to gift – boxed in A4 (31cm × 21cm × 1cm) packaging
✓ Fast dispatch – same-day on weekday orders before 2pm
✓ Made in NZ – locally cut by a family-owned factory
✓ Weather-resistant – crafted from long-lasting Corten® steel
✓ A bold tribute to native wildlife, myth and memory

Owls are clever – and so is this install.

1. Pick your perfect perch – trees, posts, or fences are ideal.
2. Hold the stake at a downward angle – this gives you the cleanest install.
3. Tap the base gently with a hammer or mallet until it's firm.
4. Pre-drill first if you’re going into hardwood or a timber post.
5. Nestle it in greenery or somewhere it’ll catch the late afternoon light.
6. Stand back and enjoy the presence of this mystical forest guardian.

Top tip: The Ruru looks especially amazing when silhouetted against a full moon or twilight sky.

Is it true Ruru can rotate their necks 270 degrees?
Yes! It’s one of their superpowers. The Ruru can swivel its head almost all the way around to track prey without making a sound.

Can I leave it outside all year round?
Absolutely. It's made from 3mm Corten® steel, which forms a protective rust layer and weathers beautifully over time.

What if I want to install it on a deck post or hard timber?
Just pre-drill a small hole, then gently tap the stake into place. It’s that easy.

What makes this a good gift?
It’s thoughtful, handcrafted, symbolic, and easy to post. Whether you're honouring someone’s memory or celebrating native birds, it's a gift with meaning.

Does the colour change over time?
Yes, that’s part of the beauty. It will develop a rich, earthy patina that blends naturally with the landscape.

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$79.99

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.