2026 Bird of the Year

Name: 2026 Bird of the Year
Brand: Metalbird New Zealand
SKU: NZ-PAI-RBN
Price: 79.99 NZD
Availability: InStock

$79.99

EARLY BIRD PRICE

Description

2026 BIRD OF THE YEAR: BLACK ROBIN

Small bird. Big comeback.

The karure (black robin) has won Bird of the Year 2026, so naturally we’re making a new one.

Yes, we already have a black robin. No, we couldn’t leave it at that. The new design is staying under wraps until next week, but here’s a hint: it’s shaping up to be twice as cute.

Back in 1980, there were only five black robins left, with just one breeding female. Thanks to some pretty extraordinary conservation work, the population kept going and grew again.

Pre-order now for our early bird price of $79.99 and be among the first to get our 2026 Bird of the Year. Even better? 30% of profits go directly to Forest & Bird, supporting the protection of native birds and wild habitats across Aotearoa.

Full reveal coming soon...

✓ Supports conservation: 30% of profits from this limited edition tribute goes to Forest & Bird
✓Built for the elements: Cut from 3 mm Corten® steel that forms a protective, weathering patina
✓ Crafted in NZ: Made locally in a family-run workshop with heart and steel
✓ Gift-ready: Ships flat in a recyclable A4 gift box (31 × 21 × 1 cm)

See our iconic original design here .

Discount codes do not apply to Conservation Birds as a portion of profits are donated to Forest & Bird.

No tools, no fuss - just tap it in.

To install your Bird of the Year:

1. Choose your spot: a wooden post, fence, tree edge or garden beam
2. Hold the stake on a downward angle and tap the thickest part with a hammer or mallet
3. Check the angle and balance, then step back and admire the view

Top Tip: These birds look especially beautiful silhouetted against the sky, install above eye level where you can see those elegant tail feathers from below.

Is this safe for outdoor weather?
Yes! It’s made from Corten® steel, which naturally weathers and forms a protective patina over time. No rust flakes — just timeless character.

Does it come in a gift box?
Sure does. It arrives flat in our standard A4 box, perfect for wrapping or posting directly to someone special.

Can I install it on a post or tree?
Absolutely. The stake is designed for wood — just tap it in with a hammer at a downward angle. For very hard surfaces, pre-drilling can help.

Is this a real NZ bird?
Yes — the Pīwakawaka (fantail) is one of Aotearoa’s most iconic native birds, known for its fanned tail and flitty movement.

Is this part of the global art project?
Yes! Every Metalbird becomes part of the Metalbird Global Art Project — a worldwide celebration of memory, meaning, and beauty, one silhouette at a time.

Style With

$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.