Which bird raised the most for conservation in 2025?
It’s my favourite time of year again—when I tally up which birds have done the most good! Through your art purchases, you support real-world conservation, with 10% of my proceeds from endangered bird art going directly to wildlife organisations. Despite the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, we raised over $2600 for the birds this year! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
On your behalf, I made donations to Zealandia, Forest & Bird, Mauri Ora Kākāpō Recovery, Ōtari Wilton's Bush Trust, Birds New Zealand/Te Kāhui Mātai Manu o Aotearoa, and BirdCare Aotearoa to help protect and restore habitats for our precious native birds, foster research, and aid recovery to sick and injured birds. I’m so grateful that together we can make a difference, one art piece at a time. (The links take you to the art collections that support each organisation.)
So, which birds topped the fundraising charts this year? Counting down from number 5 to number 1, here are the stars of 2024–25:
Number 5: "Resolute Beauty (tūī)"
This striking tūī, with its confident stance and shimmering plumage, supports Forest & Bird. A favourite piece among tūī lovers looking to bring their beauty into their homes. It’s a great choice for those who aren’t into the dark and moody vibe that so many of my other tūī pieces have.
Number 4: "His Magnificence (tūī)"
In the top five for a number of years now (and Number 1 in 2022), this regal tūī continues to charm collectors. As a limited edition, prints are getting scarce, and at the time of writing this, there are just 4 medium and 3 extra-large prints left (small and large are sold out).
Number 3: "The Intruder (ruru)"
This mysterious morepork has made a strong showing this year. Ruru are always popular subjects for their watchful gaze and nocturnal wisdom—no wonder they flew into the top three!
Number 2: "A New View 2 (tūī)"
This fresh take on an old favourite was new to my collection in 2024 and has already shot to number 2! With vibrant colour and loads of attitude, this quirky tūī brings daily joy as he keeps an eye on you.
Number 1: "The Guardian (ruru)"
At the top of the chart is "The Guardian (ruru)"! Not one to call attention to himself, this perpetually surprised owl embodies kaitiakitanga—guardianship—and it seems many of you connected with that message. He’s been flying off to new homes far and wide, helping us support conservation where it’s needed most.
Thank you so much for all your incredible support. Every purchase you make—big or small—helps raise the profile of our beautiful native birds and puts real dollars into the hands of those working to save them. But it's not just about that. Sharing posts, telling friends, and simply stopping to appreciate our wildlife—it all matters.
Did your favourite manu make the top five? Let me know in the comments!
Aroha nui,
Judi
P.S. Curious who topped the list in past years? Check it out here.
