This kea depicts Aotearoa’s alpine parrot. Found among the mountains of Te Waipounamu, the kea is recognised for its olive plumage, orange and red underwings and powerful curved beak.

Highly intelligent and naturally curious, kea are known for exploring their surroundings and solving problems using their strong beaks and feet.

It is said Māori encountered kea while crossing the Southern Alps in search of pounamu. To some tribes, kea are considered a guardian.

The kea is now nationally endangered, threatened by introduced predators and its ground-nesting habits.

This piece ships after 6th Nov 2026. Exclusive to Mountain Jade, this one-off art piece forms part of the 2026 Ngā Tamariki-a-Tāne-Mahuta Collection, celebrating the beauty and character of Aotearoa’s native birds through pounamu and contemporary carving. This collection will be on display in our Rotorua store from Thursday 1st October. Pieces may be purchased throughout the exhibition period but only be shipped once the exhibition concludes on 6th November. Read more.