Tara Iti / New Zealand Fairy Tern

Name: Tara Iti / New Zealand Fairy Tern
Brand: Metalbird New Zealand
SKU: NZ-REG-FAIR
Price: 79.99 NZD
Availability: InStock

$79.99

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Description

Tiny, endangered, and fighting for every flight.

With fewer than 40 adults left in the wild, the Tara Iti (New Zealand fairy tern) is officially our most endangered native bird — a delicate seabird on the edge of extinction. This special edition Metalbird was created in honour of the incredible conservation work led by Auckland Zoo and the Department of Conservation (DOC), whose hand-rearing programme is giving this fragile taonga another chance to thrive.

Laser cut from 3mm Corten® steel, this sculpture is a powerful symbol of hope. As it develops its protective rust patina, your Fairy Tern will become a lasting reminder of how small acts — like supporting conservation or sharing awareness — can help turn the tide.

Even better? 30% of every sale goes directly to Auckland Zoo, supporting their work to hatch, raise, and release fairy tern chicks back into the wild.

✓ 31cm high × 22cm wide – approx. 300g
✓ Easy to send – packaged in a recyclable A4 gift box (31 × 21 × 1 cm)
✓ Same day dispatch – orders placed before 2pm ship weekdays
✓ Locally made – cut and crafted in a family-run NZ factory
✓ Lasts a lifetime outdoors – weathering Corten® steel forms a rich, protective patina
✓ Supports real conservation – 30% goes to Auckland Zoo's Fairy Tern Programme

Help your tern take flight in your garden.

1. Scout a good spot — fences, posts or raised beds work perfectly
2. Position on a downward angle — the stake is designed to follow gravity
3. Use a hammer or mallet — tap the thickest end until secure
4. Avoid over-striking — Corten® is strong but precision is better than power
5. Let nature do the rest — it’ll weather beautifully in the open air

Top tip: Choose a quiet, sheltered area where native birds might pass by — your Tara Iti will blend beautifully into the natural surrounds and start conversations too.

Is this a real conservation fundraiser?
Yes! 30% of proceeds go straight to Auckland Zoo, supporting their efforts to hatch and rear tara iti chicks in collaboration with DOC.

Why is the Fairy Tern so rare?
With less than 40 adult birds left, this species is critically endangered due to habitat loss, predators, and storm events during nesting season.

Where should I place this sculpture?
Install it near coastal plants, along fences, or on a post — ideally somewhere it’ll catch the light and spark a little curiosity.

What is Corten® steel?
It’s a premium weathering steel that forms a rust-like patina over time — a natural finish that protects the metal and looks beautiful in your landscape.

Is it a good gift?
Absolutely. It's a meaningful present for conservationists, bird lovers, or anyone passionate about saving NZ’s unique wildlife.

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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.