Pūteketeke's Friend
Introducing our remarkable Pūteketeke 'friend'! Celebrating an extraordinary moment in election history, the Pūteketeke not only won the Forest & Bird bird of the century election but the heart of John Oliver, the famed USA chat show host who unexpectedly became Pūteketeke's campaign manager.
As proud partners of Forest & Bird, Metalbird creates a silhouette of the winner every year, directing 30% of all proceeds to F&B. You can check out the Pūteketeke here, and because no Pūteketeke is complete without their biggest supporter, add the 'friend' clip-on at cart.
Our Pūteketeke Friend is:
✓ 5.5" high by 3.5" wide approximately 3.5oz
✓ Easy to gift wrapped in a A6 branded envelope
✓ Made locally in a family-owned factory, right here in the USA
✓ Crafted from 11 gauge Corten steel and designed to last a lifetime
✓ Easy to install simply hook onto the back of your Pūteketeke Metalbird, or find a creative way to display anywhere that you want!
More than a quirky turn of events, it symbolizes the unexpected support and funding raised for the native birdlife of Aotearoa by our North American friends. This event wasn't just about competition; it was a celebration of global unity and support for nature.
✓ Effortless install:
- Drill a pilot hole (recommended - but not essential): use a drill bit that’s
one size smaller than the spike (tight enough to hold) - Tap Tap Tap: Grab your bird and gently tap the spike into your surface with a
hammer or mallet. About 1 to 2 inches deep is plenty, just enough to hold its
weight. - Step back: and admire your art.
Inserting into brick, stone, or concrete?
Style With
Pūteketeke's Friend
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.
