2023, cast bronze

47 x 34.5 x 22 cm

Pictured on a bluestone plinth

19 x 100 cm

Edition of 7

Parson Bird is part of a new series of works taking a wry look at the nicknames given to New Zealand birds by the early European settlers.

The tuft of white feathers at the tūī’s throat reminded settlers of the white collar of a minister or parson. Its raucous, sometimes pompous demeanour evoking an enthusiastic sermon.

Here the tūī’ delivers his sermon from a giant bible on a precarious lectern.