Exhibition banner

Bringing back the birds - a fine-art exhibition 26 Sept - 31 Oct 2019

26 SEPT - 31 OCT 2019
10AM - 3PM WEDS & THURS ONLY
NZ PARLIAMENT - BOWEN HOUSE EXHIBITION SPACE

Eight native bird artists have gathered together to celebrate community groups in Aotearoa who are bringing back the birds.

Featuring art by Melissa Boardman, Chris Helliwell, Judi Lapsley Miller, Niels Meyer-Westfeld, Karen Rankin Neal, Hannah Shand, Carol Theologo, and Rachel Walker.

Sponsored by Hon Eugenie Sage.


From controlling predators in suburban gardens to supporting fenced sanctuaries, the power of a vested community to bring about positive change knows no bounds. Volunteer-based community efforts in Aotearoa have resulted in world-leading advances in conservation and restoration strategies. And these efforts are paying off locally with gardens now filling night and day with rare and endangered birds. Here in Wellington we are especially fortunate. What are now ubiquitous tūī welcome in the dawn, korimako claim their territories at morning tea, kākāriki flit by at lunchtime looking for nesting cavities, kererū fill the skies with their aerial acrobatics while we make dinner, ruru serenade us to sleep, and cheeky kākā tell us the stories of their ancestors at 2am. All our Artists have been inspired by this comeback and in this exhibition they show the beauty and tell some of the stories of our native birds.

The exhibiting Artists all advocate for our precious manu māori through their art, writing, volunteering, and awareness raising. Sales of some of the pieces in this exhibition will go towards supporting specific community projects through personal donations by the Artists.

Media Enquiries to
Rick Zwaan (rick.zwaan@parliament.govt.nz) or (04) 817 6054.
Back to blog

Leave a comment

  • Screenshot of magazine spread

    Featured interview in Artists Down Under magazine

    Judi Lapsley Miller

    The February issue of Artists Down Under magazine is out, and on pg 62-65, fellow photo-artist Maureen Maxwell interviews me about what motivates my art, how to approach exhibitions and...

    Featured interview in Artists Down Under magazine

    Judi Lapsley Miller

    The February issue of Artists Down Under magazine is out, and on pg 62-65, fellow photo-artist Maureen Maxwell interviews me about what motivates my art, how to approach exhibitions and...

  • Artwork of two kakapo on a tree branch with a bush and water landscape

    Waiata Manu Exhibition - Te Papakura Exhibition...

    Judi Lapsley Miller

    15 Feb - 24 Apr 2023 Te Papakura Exhibition Space New Zealand Parliament - Pāremata Aotearoa Waiata Manu (‘Bird song’) engages the audience in the beauty and wonder of birds...

    Waiata Manu Exhibition - Te Papakura Exhibition...

    Judi Lapsley Miller

    15 Feb - 24 Apr 2023 Te Papakura Exhibition Space New Zealand Parliament - Pāremata Aotearoa Waiata Manu (‘Bird song’) engages the audience in the beauty and wonder of birds...

  • Exhibition banner with quizzical kaka chick

    "For the Birds" 2023 Exhibition

    Judi Lapsley Miller

    “For the Birds” is soaring back to Te Māra Toi Gallery at Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne. Running through February and March, this group art exhibition features up-and-coming and established...

    "For the Birds" 2023 Exhibition

    Judi Lapsley Miller

    “For the Birds” is soaring back to Te Māra Toi Gallery at Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne. Running through February and March, this group art exhibition features up-and-coming and established...

1 of 3