On my way home from basketball, I still had the energy to track down a few outdoor art displays, especially the Kiwi Art Trail. I only captured some of the 20 large Kiwi sculptures, though I have captured enough to give you all an idea of their uniqueness.
All of them were designed by New Zealand artists, including Tauranga creatives Sam Allen and Te Arepa Teki. It didn’t take me out of my way, as the sculptures were set up around the city centre and within walking distance of each other. The experience was truly invigorating, and I found myself marvelling at the creativity and skill of our local artists.
I think it’s fantastic that we were the first city in New Zealand to host this year’s Kiwi Art Trail. Best of all, it’s an opportunity for our city centre to be made even more special by featuring designs from two local artists. The Kiwi has led a trail around the city centre, showcasing the significant progress of the city’s transformation and the potential for more positive changes.
Developed by Save the Kiwi and Gallagher Insurance with unwavering support from our local Tauranga City Council, the free Kiwi Art Trail in Tauranga CBD will finish this month before it continues to its next destination. Finally, when the trail finishes, the sculptures will be auctioned off, and proceeds will go to Kiwi conservation, with some proceeds going towards local initiatives. Pre-auction sales are available, so if you have a spare NZD 10,000, one of those unique Kiwis could be yours.
Eight not-so-feathered Kiwis
The local council hoped to highlight the positivity of the city’s transformation and ensure that locals and visitors do not focus on the negative aspects that occur during reconstruction. For many, it’s working, and best of all, they have supported local artists and Kiwi conservation. Another positive is encouraging locals and visitors to walk outdoors to view art and our beautiful habour.
Life at No. 22 
My little town does a similar project in the spring when the large Sandhills crane migration occurs. But these kiwis are really extraordinary!
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It’s wonderful how around the world we have similar creativity that highlights conservation and wildlife. I’m sure the Sandhills crane migration is equally amazing.
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I have a book I was sent as a gift in the 90s. Zürich Switzerland had filled the city with beautifully painted cows — like your kiwis. It’s cool how we humans are (when we’re cool).
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It has to be Born to Soar, doesn’t it? It might work on our patio xx
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I’m sure Born to Soar would be a grand talking point with your visitors over a cold beverage xx
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I love this kind of art trail. The kiwis are fabulous – the last one is my favourite, partly because its colours go so nicely with the background view.
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It is fun and the artists have done such a great job of highlighting their unique artwork on the kiwis.
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These sculptures are terrific. They brighten things up.
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Yes, they do brighten up the area and especially the day I photographed as the weather wasn’t too cheerful. To be fair it was much easier without the glaring sun.
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Flowers seemed a common theme. Got a laugh out of Mikiwi! Sounds like a win-win-win project.
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Kiwi humour 🙂 I think it’s a win-win project on many levels.
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I love these kind of art trails. Kiwi in Eden and Kiwi in Bloom are lovely, but Verdant is my favourite. Such a beautiful colour.
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They are fun, aren’t they. Verdant is very lovely and agreed it is a stunning colour.
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This is brilliant, so thanks for capturing it. I’ve seen cities do cows, pigs, and I’m sure others, so cheers to the artists and their work. Difficult to pick my favorite. 🙂
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You’re welcome and thank goodness to people with loads of creativity that brighten up our outdoor/indoor spaces.
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A well photographed tour of the trail
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How unique and beautiful they are
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Suzanne, our little town on the Treasure Coast of Florida, did a similar thing with endangered sea turtles. The colorful statues are permanently displayed in our city center. It’s nice that the Kiwi exhibit will travel to other locals, bringing smiles along the way.
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Turtles are such wonderful animals and yes in many parts of the world they’re endangered. It’s wonderful that they are permanently on display.
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What beautiful vibrant sculptures. Love them. 🙂
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Shazza, they are very vibrant and something a bit different for people to enjoy.
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The kiwis are fabulous. I’d love to walk this art trail. Toronto had something similar before COVID pandemic and they were life-sized moose!
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We have a similar thing like this in a place called Port Macquarie on the NSW coast with painted koalas. These sculptures are a great way to showcase different artistic styles. Have a good day. Melx
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The painted koalas would be fun to view. Also, highlights the conservation that’s needed and the artist. A win win situation. Enjoy your rest period after your epic climb, Mel.
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Thanks Suzanne – it’s wonderful to be home.
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Totally delightful!! I love public art like this. Thanks for sharing!
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You’re most welcome, Diane. They are a delight and I’m pleased there are similar ones around the world.
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We had horses for a while in our nearby city. These were so fun and colorful. A delight.
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This is wonderful. I want Wings of Change for my very own. All are great, but that one calls to me— both because of the art and because of the concept.
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Ally, it’s definitely a win-win situation and I’ve enjoyed passing by while people happily view the kiwi art.
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They are beautiful piece of artwork 😍.
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They are beautiful aren’t they 😊
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Oh nooo…these Kiwis are so cute and I would love to see it. But I might go to the South Islands next year so I won’t be able to see these. Too bad.
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Oh well, you can’t see everything while traveling. Though I’m not sure they will be on display next year.
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Haha ok that is a relief .
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