Which bird raised the most in 2024?
Once again it's my favourite time of year again - tax time! It's the time when I work out which artwork - which bird - raised the most for conservation in 2023-2024. Most of my art featuring endangered wildlife includes a 10% donation to a wildlife organization. The economic downturn continues, but we still raised nearly $3300 for the birds! On your behalf, I made donations to a range of organizations including Zealandia, Forest & Bird, Kakapo Recovery, Birds New Zealand/Te Kahui Matai Manu o Aotearoa, and Otari-Wilton’s Bush Trust. Thank you so much for sharing my vision and helping support wildlife through art!
So which bird raised the most funds? Counting down to number 1, the top five are:
At number 5 - "Sweet Dreams (ruru)" continues to send good vibes...
Sweet Dreams (ruru)This adorable morepork managed to hold the number 5 spot for the second year in a row. She's a popular choice for bedrooms, making sure we all get a good night's sleep.
Number 4 is a new entry - "The Boss (tui)"
"The Boss (tui)"This gorgeous fella is campaigning hard for the number one spot next year.
Number 3 is our top bird from last year - "His Magnificence (tui)"!
"His Magnificence (tui)"Number 1 last year, he couldn't stay at the top forever, because as a limited edition, the prints eventually all sell out. "His Magnificence (tui)" is nearing the end of his run, with the large size now completely sold out and the other sizes in very short supply. Paired with "Her Mystery (tui)", they make a stunning couple.
Number 2 is a surprise newcomer "I Spy (ruru)"
And no one is more surprised than this tiny ruru morepork at getting a silver medal! This tiny owl with such huge eyes looks fabulous large and small, and is especially popular as a TinyArt piece. "I Spy (ruru)" is already sold out in the large size, but is available in smaller sizes.
Number 1 - No surprise - it's our favourite kakapo couple "A Hidden World (kakapo)"
These irresistible moss chickens have gone from strength to strength, and in 2022-23 even won two awards: the "Pride in Print" gold award for speciality prints and the "President's Award" at the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts "Matariki" exhibition, as well as exhibiting in Te Papakura exhibition space at The Beehive (NZ Parliament).
Based on photos of Sinbad and Hoki by Andrew Digby from Kakapo Recovery, I set them in a magical cove that had people guessing where in Aotearoa it was (it's a cove in the Bay of Many Coves in the Marlborough Sounds). Hubby Linton came up with the name "A Hidden World (kakapo)" after his experiences tracking kakapo on remote Anchor Island.
The small and large-size editions have now completely sold out, but medium and extra-large sizes are still available in limited quantities.
Thank you for all your support - every little bit you do raises the profile of our gorgeous native birds. From liking and commenting on social media posts, to telling a friend about your favourite bird artwork, to supporting wildlife through your art purchases, it's all makes a difference!
If you'd like to know which artworks support which conservation organizations, take a look at the label on the back of any artwork. It's also indicated in the description for each piece in my online gallery.
Do let me know in the comments which bird/artwork is your favourite, and who you'd like to see on the list in 2025!
Aroha nui
Judi
Do let me know in the comments which bird/artwork is your favourite, and who you'd like to see on the list in 2025!
Aroha nui
Judi
P.S. If you're curious as to who came out on top in previous years, find out here.
4 comments
Thank you so much for raising money for conservation through your beautiful artwork, Judi, and all those who have bought the art. It makes a real difference to front-line efforts to save our taonga.
Thank you!
For me the tūī is the most beautiful. I love the colours, the arresting sound he makes. Can’t call it singing😊
I bought 2of your art works last Christmas as a present, they are now framed in my son’s home
Thank you Judi
Stunning art always and very hard to choose, but my fav will always be the Ruru first😍. Great to see the great work you are doing for conservation🤩
I love all your art works but my favourite is still the Piwakawakas🩷congratulations on a great fundraising effort and as you say , despite the hard economic time at present. 🏅👍🩷