Pīwakawaka Pair

Regular price $79.99 Sale price $79.99

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Description

Two little tail‑fans, one big love story.

Pīwakawaka are famously devoted… a couple can raise up to five broods in a season, taking turns on the nest while one partner builds the next. Our Pīwakawaka Pair captures that energy—two lively silhouettes with fanned tails, mid‑chat, ready to brighten the path, veg patch, or a favourite pōhutukawa. Cut from 3 mm Corten steel, the pair weathers to a warm, protective patina that looks beautiful against greenery in summer and glows in winter light. It’s a joyful nod to teamwork, whānau, and the simple magic of being followed in the garden by tiny acrobats saying “cheet‑cheet”.

Lively native duo… 35 cm (H) × 27 cm (W), approx. 300 g—reads clearly from a distance
Enduring material… Corten steel forms a self‑sealing patina for decades outdoors
Gift‑ready… large letter box 39 × 34 × 1 cm—easy to post and wrap
Versatile placement… fence posts, sleepers, planters, or wedge between stones/boards
Low‑maintenance art… no repainting; a quick wipe if dusty is plenty
Meaningful symbolism… perfect for weddings, anniversaries, and housewarmings

Stage your fantails so they feel mid‑conversation.

  1. Pick a friendly percheye‑to‑waist‑height posts or sleepers give a natural look.
  2. Angle with intent — a slight forward lean sells that inquisitive, tail‑fanned stance.
  3. For ground/soilmoisten and make a pilot slit, then tap the thick end until firm.
  4. For wedge installslide the branch snugly between two solid surfaces (pavers/boards); add a discreet shim if needed.
  5. Hardwood tip — in dense timber, pre‑drill 3–4 mm to protect the stake and your post.
  6. Frame the scene — plant grasses, herbs, or flaxes to echo real fantail hangouts.

Top Tip: Place the pair near your potting bench or compost—freshly turned soil kicks up insects and the real Pīwakawaka often arrive for the buffet.

Do Pīwakawaka really raise that many broods?
They can—fantails are prolific in good conditions. Pairs share incubation and the male often feeds fledglings while the female starts the next nest.

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

Is it okay to install on a living tree?
Posts or deadwood are kinder. If you choose a tree, tap shallowly in a mature, non‑critical area and avoid young bark.

Ground vs wedge—what’s best?
Both work. Ground gives a natural, low look; wedge is great on decks or stonework. Choose the method that suits your space and stability.

Good gift occasions?
Perfect for weddings, anniversaries, new homes, or anyone who loves native birds and the idea of partnership and whānau.

Style With

AS SEEN IN

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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.

what’s the word on the bird?