Centennial Tūī
A showstopping tribute to the tūī — one of Aotearoa’s most iconic native birds.
The Centennial Tūī breaks from tradition with a design pulled straight from Phil’s sketchbook — a more detailed silhouette, perched on a kōwhai branch, crafted in solid Corten® steel. It’s a standout piece of outdoor art that honours the tūī’s role in our backyards and bush.
Known for their dazzling feathers, white throat tufts, and ability to mimic other birds (and even humans!), tūī are a favourite among bird lovers for good reason. This sculpture captures that charisma — wild and proud.
Perfect as a gift, or as a way to bring a little native magic to your own garden.
✓ Statement silhouette – More intricate and artful than our standard tūī
✓ 30cm high x 24cm wide – A striking piece without overwhelming your space
✓ Crafted in NZ – Made in a local, family-run factory
✓ Corten steel construction – Rusts to a rich patina, no maintenance needed
✓ Ready to gift – Ships in a flat A4-sized box (31 x 21 x 1cm)
✓ Same-day dispatch – On weekday orders placed before 2pm
✓ Unique to Metalbird – Not available anywhere else
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Centennial Tūī
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.
what’s the word on the bird?
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