Why Tūī Artworks Belong in Every New Zealand Home (Tui Art Guide)

When we think of Aotearoa's native birds, few capture our imagination quite like the tūī. Known for their bolshy personalities, beautiful plumage, and melodic calls, tūī hold a special place in many New Zealand hearts—including mine.

Cultural Significance of the Tūī

Tūī are not just visually stunning; they carry deep cultural resonance, particularly within Te Ao Māori, where the tūī is a messenger, a kaitiaki/guardian, and can represent confidence and clarity. They’re also adored by Pākehā—first, somewhat disturbingly, as exotic curiosities for early European settlers, but now as beloved garden friends.

For many Kiwi—Māori and Pākehā—the song of the tūī signifies home. The name tūī even reflects its melodic call. (Have you noticed that many Māori bird names are onomatopoeic, that is, they sound like the bird's song or calls?)

So many of us also support local conservation projects. We rejoice when we hear that birds have returned to our urban spaces as ecosystems are restored and predators reduced. Tūī are often the harbinger of these conservation successes (Wellington and Banks Peninsula come immediately to mind). Perhaps soon, we will all have a backyard tūī to celebrate!

Cheeky thought – given how much we love our tūī, perhaps New Zealanders should be called "Tūī" rather than "Kiwi"?

My Tūī Art: Capturing a Living Icon

When creating my tūī artworks, my intention goes beyond just representing their physical beauty. I aim to capture their essence—the curious tilt of their heads, their lively movement through nectar-filled blossoms, and their confident calls from the highest kōwhai branches. I want you to feel something of their presence and personalities, not just observe it.

And boy, do they have personalities! Defiant, confident, opinionated, and cocky—they’re the undisputed bosses of the garden and forest. I swear they give me a judging side-eye as they pose for their portraits. My most recent tūī pieces lean into that energy.

My style often incorporates a dark and moody vibe, highlighting the tūī’s dramatic presence against deep, rich backdrops. This brings their vibrant colours and textures into focus while creating an atmosphere of mystery and depth. This approach also allows me to explore broader themes, such as the impacts of colonisation and climate change.

In some of my tūī artworks, the tūī becomes an allegory for colonisation—underpinned by the Doctrine of Discovery, a religious and legal framework used by European Christian empires to justify the takeover of Indigenous lands, including Aotearoa. This is most apparent in From Whence Cometh Evil, but also The Sign of the Southern Cross. The tūī is a particularly appropriate bird for this symbolism because it was essentially colonised too when it was renamed the "Parson Bird" by English settlers. They thought its white poi looked like a clerical collar.

Although Māori continued to call a tūī a tūī, it wasn't until the late twentieth century that the tūī regained its original name in common parlance and, more recently, its spelling (with macrons denoting the long vowel sounds).

The climate crisis also weaves through many of my pieces. While my kākā artworks sometimes take a quirky or playful approach to life on post-apocalyptic Earth, my tūī artworks often evoke stormy, uncertain symbolism. This is especially evident in pieces like At what cost forever and Forever calling me, which carry a sense of apprehension and unease.

Although these are some of the ideas I’m exploring while creating these artworks, they may mean something completely different to you—and that’s absolutely OK. We all bring our own stories and emotions to the art we experience. For many, tūī are primarily a bird of great beauty, and artwork exemplifying that beauty is enough. For others, tūī represent a loved one who has passed, and it's been an absolute privilege and honour to hear how my work has resonated with those memories.

So Why Bring Tūī Art into Your Home?

Tūī art does more than decorate your walls; it connects you to something deeply personal and uniquely Kiwi. 

• A Sense of Place: Tūī art roots your home firmly in New Zealand’s landscapes, bringing the outdoors in and creating spaces that resonate with our environment.
• Comfort for Ex-pat Kiwis: For New Zealanders living abroad, tūī art is a connection to home, soothing homesickness with a familiar glimpse of native flora and fauna. I love sending tūī on migrations overseas!
• A Daily Reminder: Having tūī artwork on your walls is a gentle reminder of the importance of conservation, reinforcing the idea that nature and wildlife are integral to our daily lives, deserving of protection and respect.
• Memorial and Meaning: For some, tūī art serves as a heartfelt memorial to a loved one who has passed—offering comfort, remembrance, and a quiet way to stay connected.
• Conversation Starter: Beyond their aesthetic value, tūī artworks invite conversations—about art, nature, cultural heritage, conservation, and more. They foster connection, understanding, and a shared appreciation for what makes our country special.

Supporting Conservation through Art

My tūī art is deeply linked to conservation efforts. I collaborate closely with local organizations and contribute to raising awareness and funds to protect New Zealand’s native birds and habitats. When you choose to bring one of these pieces into your home, you're joining a wider community effort dedicated to sustaining our environment and wildlife.

Choosing Your Tūī Art Piece

Selecting artwork is a deeply personal process. Consider which piece resonates with your experiences, your aesthetic, and your home environment. After all, art isn’t just decoration—it’s about connection. And tūī, with their vibrant energy and cultural richness, offer plenty to connect with.

I invite you to view my full collection Beloved Tūī, including all my favourite tūī bird artworks (including fine-art prints).

— Judi

P.S. If the piece you love the most is sold out (many of the earlier pieces are), do get in touch, as one may be available in a gallery or my private collection.