KEA AWARENESS



With thanks to the permission of Randall Aspinall from Mt Aspiring Station, the totem-like metal artwork aims to create environmental awareness for the endangered charismatic mountain parrot.



Bannister first considered the idea after visiting the glacier and not hearing or seeing any of the renowned Kea. After discussion with DOC and the Kea Conservation Trust, he sculpted the piece with the vision of it being directly within the landscape and realm of the beautiful birds.


The piece is 1.8m high and appears on the early part of the trail. With signage and a donation box integrated into the plinth, Bannister hopes visitors to the reserve can help with what the Kea Conservation Trust and DOC are doing for the few remaining pairs.


Now based in Wanaka, artist, Simon Max Bannister has been sculpting for over 8 years. His prominent themes involve habitat destruction and wildlife custodianship.