🌿 Our Kiwi in the Bush

October, 2026

Kia ora e hoa,

You have been very busy creating a beautiful multimedia kiwi scene, inspired by the wonderful native bush and wildlife of our local Shakespear Regional Park.

We began with a piece of black paper to create the dark background of the bush. You then experimented with real grass, dipping it into different shades of green acrylic paint before flicking it onto your paper. This created wonderful splashes and textures that looked just like the dense, leafy bush where our native kiwi might live.

Next, you used cotton tips to carefully dot yellow and different shades of brown paint across the bottom of your artwork. This became the forest floor, with all its earthy colours and textures. It was lovely to see you taking your time and watching how each new layer helped to build your scene.

Once your bush scene was complete, Genna, Sue and Kerryn showed you how to draw a kiwi bird. You carefully followed the different stages before painting your kiwi with soft brown brush strokes and cotton tips. We talked about how a kiwi's feathers are very unusual because they are soft and almost fur-like.

When your kiwi was completely dry, you carefully cut it out and glued it onto your bush scene. What a wonderful finishing touch! Your little kiwi looked right at home amongst the dark green bush and forest floor.

This was also a lovely team art experience, as you had the opportunity to work alongside all three of our art teachers – Sue, Kerryn and Genna. We loved seeing you share ideas, listen to instructions, experiment with different materials and proudly create something of your own.

Your artwork connects beautifully with Te Whāriki | Mana Aotūroa – Exploration, as you explored new materials, textures, techniques and ideas inspired by our natural environment. It also supported Mana Reo – Communication, as you listened, talked about kiwi, and shared your ideas throughout the creative process.

We hope this special artwork reminds you of the amazing native birds we are learning about in our own

local environment and inspires you to look closely at the wonderful wildlife of Shakespear Regional Park.

He tino ataahua tō mahi – your artwork is beautiful! 

Marianne ❤️

‍