Kakī / Black Stilt

Name: Kakī / Black Stilt
Brand: Metalbird New Zealand - CC
SKU: NZ-LAR-BSTI
Price: 94.99 NZD
Availability: InStock

$94.99

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Description

A rare New Zealander, standing for care and courage.

The Kākī / Black Stilt is one of the rarest birds on Earth—inky black from bill to body with long red legs that skim wetland shallows. Once found across New Zealand, it now survives in small South Island wetlands thanks to tireless conservation work. Our silhouette captures that poised, soulful stance in 3 mm Corten steel so it can live outdoors for decades, slowly developing a warm, protective patina. It’s a meaningful gift for anyone who loves minimal design, wears a lot of black, or simply wants their garden to say, “we look after what’s precious.”

✓ Conservation impact... 30% of proceeds support BirdLife International’s Preventing Extinctions programme
✓ Striking presence... 47 cm × 33 cm, approx. 450 g—tall enough to anchor a bed
✓ Enduring material... weathering Corten forms a self‑sealing patina—no repainting
✓ Gift‑ready packaging... large letter box 39 × 34 × 1 cm for easy sending
✓ Versatile placement... ground, planter, or wedge‑mount between stones or boards

Plant your Kākī like it belongs beside water.

Choose a wetland vibe – pebbles, grasses, or flax around a birdbath look authentic.
For ground install – moisten soil, then press a pilot slit with a steel rod or screwdriver.
Seat the stake – hold the bird at a slight forward lean and tap the thick end with a mallet until firm.
For wedge install – slide the branch securely between two stable surfaces (pavers, sleepers); shim discreetly if needed.
Stability check – Kākī should feel solid with no wobble; re‑seat or deepen the bite if required.

Top Tip: Add a shallow dish of water or smooth river stones at the feet—reflections make the legs look wonderfully lifelike at dusk.

Why is the Kākī / Black Stilt so rare?
Habitat loss, predation, and historic pressures pushed the species to the brink. Intensive management of wild and captive populations has helped, but numbers remain low and every contribution counts.

How does my purchase support conservation?
Thirty percent of proceeds from this piece go to BirdLife International’s Preventing Extinctions—funding urgent, on‑the‑ground work that protects critically endangered birds and their habitats.

Will Corten stain paving or decks?
During early weathering, light rust runoff can occur. Install over soil/mulch, or seal nearby pale stone or timber if you’re particular about finishes.

Best place to display a Kākī?
Low in the garden—near grasses, water bowls, or stones to echo wetland edges. Planters and raised beds also work well.

Can I ground‑install in hard soil?
Yes—moisten the spot and make a pilot slit first. In very dense timber or sleepers, pre‑drill a small starter hole before tapping the stake home.

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$94.99

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.