5 products
The annual kiwi coin collection is a highlight of the New Zealand coin programme. This year we begin a new series, with an artist's view of our special national bird.
Te Kiwi Nui
Shane Hansen
Kiwi: a bird, a taonga, a national icon, a namesake. So unique, so precious, so symbolic. Long beak, big feet, whiskers - but no wings. Sleeps in a hole. Up at night. Likes an occasional fight. Soft, fluffy-feathered. Shades of brown, a rugby-ball body. Beautiful Aotearoa fauna. He tino ataahua te kiwi.
Nights where I live: Titiwai moonlit sky. Salty sea breeze. Window ajar. I lay in bed in a light dream-state. He pierces the night. "I am here! Where are you?". She echoes back. "I am here! Where are you?". Somewhere. Down in the valley. Around the ngahere. Kiwi roam. Kiwi feed. Kiwi play. Kiwi love. I live here. I am fortunate. I love my neighbours.
Arohanui te kiwi.