Mama Pukeko
SPONSORED BY
With a bird’s eye view of the young stone fruit trees, a cheeky pūkeko takes a seat on her bench, guarding her basket of fruity treasures.
Mischievous yet endearing, she’s a gentle nod to the irony of a ‘cheeky chook’ posing as a caretaker.
About The Artist
Jamie Pickernell graduated with a Fine Arts Degree majoring in Sculpture in 1996 and in 1997 after a short Business Development course set up what was then called “Jamie Pickernell Art Furniture”.
Jamie, his wife and their newly born son stayed in Whanganui until mid 1998 when the pull of their home town and the then two complete sets of grand parents drew them back to Rotorua where they still live semi rurally; his workshop is also on their property.
Sculpture Development
From the initial concept, to installation – take a look at the making of Mama Pukeko
Construction Starts
The wood for the bench is cut
Sculpture Begins
The body of Mama Pukeko takes shape
Taking Shape
The feathers are added
The Feet
The pukeko feet are welded together
The Bench on Site
The bench is placed on site
Taking Shape
The bench in its final position
Mama Pukeko
In her final installation place
Visit The Sculpture
Mama Pukeko is located on the Velodrome to Cambridge section of the Te Awa River Ride.
Nestled among the young stone fruit trees, this artwork celebrates the pūkeko – one of New Zealand’s most spirited and mischievous birds. With her bright blue-purple feathers, striking red bill, and long red legs, she’s impossible to miss.
Pūkeko are clever, social birds, often seen in family groups, boldly exploring wetlands, paddocks, and even orchards. Known for their cheeky curiosity, they sometimes nibble on fruit and crops, earning a reputation as little “pests” in the most endearing way.
Pūkeko often get a bad rap as clumsy, brainless birds – but in reality, they’re clever, adaptable, and full of surprises. While other native birds struggle with changing environments, pukeko strut confidently through swamps, pastures, and wetlands, making the most of whatever comes their way. With their bright purple-blue plumage, long legs, and red beaks, they can walk, swim, and awkwardly fly, all while keeping an eye on their patch. Farmers and hunters may see them as pests, but other cultures have admired their beauty and grace for centuries. And behind that seemingly goofy exterior lies a fascinating social life, with communal nesting, shared childcare, and even a bit of flirtation and romance that would make a soap opera blush.
Scientists have discovered that pukeko aren’t just social – they’re strategic. Depending on where they live, they might hang out in tight-knit family groups or larger communal flocks, sharing nests, duties, and even mates with surprising harmony. Dominance, teamwork, and cooperation all play a part in their daily lives, helping them raise chicks successfully while keeping the peace. Their unusual “live-and-let-live” approach may be a big reason why they’ve thrived in New Zealand’s ever-changing landscapes.
So next time you see a pūkeko waddling along a roadside ditch, remember there’s a lot more going on behind that red beak than meets the eye.
This playful sculpture invites visitors to pause and enjoy a moment with nature’s audacious little caretaker. The basket of fruit beside her is a playful nod to her curious appetite – and a reminder that sometimes the naughtiest visitors are also the most charming.