Pūteketeke's Friend
A little sidekick with a very big story.
Meet the Pūteketeke “Friend”... a playful clip‑on created to celebrate the Bird of the Century wave that leapt the Pacific and stole late‑night TV. Part love‑letter to Aotearoa’s native birdlife, part nod to the unexpected team‑up with a certain famed US host, this compact companion is made from 11‑gauge Corten steel so it weathers beautifully outdoors. Hook it behind your Pūteketeke Metalbird or perch it creatively on a planter rim, trellis wire, or shelf and you’ve got a cheerful duo that says: small acts add up. Even better... 30% of proceeds go to Forest & Bird, funding real conservation where it’s needed most.
✓ Perfect add‑on... 5.5" × 3.5" silhouette that clips to your Pūteketeke
✓ Conservation give‑back... 30% of proceeds support Forest & Bird
✓ Premium material... 11‑gauge Corten forms a protective, weathered patina
✓ Gift‑easy... arrives in an A6 envelope for simple, lightweight gifting
✓ Flexible display... hook to birds, planter rims, trellis wire, or décor ledges
✓ Low‑maintenance art... no painting... the patina is the protection
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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.
