South Island Songs

As part of the preparation for her ‘South Island Songs’ exhibition collection, Anna visited the only Kōtuku nesting site in New Zealand, situated in the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve on the West Coast, where she studied the endangered Kōtuku first hand in their natural habitat. She also travelled to Otago to observe Kea, where the Kea Recovery Programme is working hard to support struggling populations. This exhibition includes pieces inspired by these birds, and others, alongside the Kahikatea trees that captured her interest whilst exploring Lake Ianthe/Matahi.

Anna’s home in Le Bons Bay lies within the pest-free zone for the Wildside Elimination Area, in which the Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust, alongside Predator Free 2050, are working to eradicate predator species. This ongoing effort has helped transform the area into a haven for native birdlife and her garden is frequented by species such as Kōtare and Tauhou. Her home and is even named ‘Kererū’ due to their constant presence. Across the Peninsula, Anna has explored different reserve areas, such as Hinewai where she often encounters Miromiro resting in the leafy shade. Her visit to a nearby Kārearea nesting site inspired her to portray their fierce temperament and she has captured the joy that the Pīwakawaka bring her four-year old daughter as they dance around one another on local walks.