The Kererū print features two native wood pigeons—one in graceful flight and the other perched calmly upon a branch. In the foreground, Kirsty Nixon frames the scene with a lush composition of endemic flora: the spiked silhouettes of Tī Kōuka (Cabbage Tree), soft fronds of Ponga (Silver Fern), sculptural Harakeke (Flax), and the crimson brush of flowering Pōhutukawa. Through this foliage, a soft coastal horizon is glimpsed—evoking a scene both grounded and expansive.

This composition reflects Kirsty’s enduring muse: “My imagery is based a lot on viewing through native plant life onto a scene, almost as if we pulled back the leaves and we’re just within reach of our unique coastline or dramatic rolling hills.”

The Kererū, known also as Kūkū or Kūkūpa, is one of Aotearoa’s most beloved birds. Large and striking, it’s recognised by its iridescent green and bronze crown and proud white breast. In the native bush, the unmistakable rush of the Kererū’s wings is both a sound and a sensation—felt as much as heard. In Māori mythology, the Kererū is often seen as a symbol of abundance, and a sign that nature is flourishing.

In this artwork, the positioning of the birds has carried special meaning for many: the bird in flight has often been interpreted as an angelic presence—soft and symbolic—while the perched Kererū represents presence, grounding, and continuity. For some, this duality has offered comfort during times of transition, representing a loved one’s passing or the emotional journey of migration and return. It’s a gentle layer of meaning that adds to the artwork’s quiet sense of peace.

The Kererū is a refined and evocative addition to Kirsty Nixon’s Flora & Fauna collection. With its serene palette and layered textures, it offers both beauty and stillness—a celebration of New Zealand’s native life, and the unseen threads that connect us to the landscapes we call home.

Giclée Print: A digital printing process using an ink-jet printer to produce high-quality art prints.

Limited Edition Prints: Replica prints of an original artwork, reproduced in limited quantities.

Your artwork purchase is an investment. Taking care of your fine art Kirsty Nixon print will ensure the artwork's longevity, value, and enjoyment.

Giclée derives from the French term ‘gicler’—to spray. The term describes the printing process whereby high-quality, fade-resistant, pigment-based inks are sprayed onto archival, cotton-based, acid-free paper. The results achieve an outstanding archival lifespan of up to 200 years. The high quality and long lifespan of Giclée Prints ensure the appreciation of the artwork's value.

The following care instructions are the preliminary guidelines for taking care of your limited edition, fine art Giclée Print. Please read the following carefully.

Handling
Please do not place your limited edition print directly face down onto any surface or object to avoid damaging the printed image. This also applies when resting or storing your artwork. At all times, please avoid placing objects on top of your artwork. Keep handling to a minimum and always hold your Giclée Print from the corners or sides—if possible, wear cotton gloves or make sure your hands are freshly washed.

Sunlight Exposure
It is recommended that you do not hang your limited edition Giclée Print in direct sunlight. If you are intending to hang your artwork in a space with moments of exposed sunlight, please consider framing your Kirsty Nixon print with UV protection conservation glass.

Environment
Keep your limited edition print within a relatively controlled environment. Repeated exposure to extreme and/or sudden changes in humidity or temperature can have adverse effects on the longevity of your artwork's surface and substrate materials.

It is suggested that you hang your artwork in a low-traffic area due to the risk of physical damage by passers-by. Hang your limited edition Kirsty Nixon print at an elevation that keeps it out of reach of young children.

Cleaning
Do not clean your Giclée Print with water, damp cloths, or solvents. Use a soft, clean, and dry lint-free cloth to gently wipe away dust or dirt. Ensure that the lint-free cloth is white or light in colour, as darkly coloured cloths increase the risk of staining your artwork.

Shipping and Storage
Place a layer of acid-free tissue paper on either side of your Giclée Print, gently roll your print, and place it within a plastic sleeve, then slide it into a storage tube. Please roll your limited edition print tight enough so that it does not sag when stored horizontally for an extended period of time.

The environment for storing your artwork should be controlled, with low levels of exposure to humidity and fluctuating temperatures. If you're intending to store your Giclée Print for an extended period, please store the artwork standing up.

Do not cover the artwork in plastic, as there is a risk of potential mould growth. Instead, place the rolled print within a cotton sleeve, then gently slide it into a storage tube.

Please note that the framing and in situ images are intended solely as visual inspiration, offering a contextual representation of the artwork within a styled environment and frame.

These mockups are not to scale and do not reflect the exact proportions of the artwork. For accurate sizing, kindly refer to the Artwork Dimensions provided above.