The Beloved Kererū — A Jewel of New Zealand’s Forests

A Guardian of the Forest

The Kererū plays a vital role in keeping Aotearoa’s forests alive and thriving. It is one of the few birds large enough to swallow and spread the seeds of native trees such as tawa, miro, karaka, and puriri. As it feeds on berries and fruits, the Kererū carries these seeds to new places, helping regenerate the forest and ensuring the next generation of trees can grow.

With its slow, graceful flight and distinctive whooshing wingbeat, the Kererū brings a sense of calm and connection to nature wherever it appears. Its presence is often seen as a sign of balance and wellbeing in the forest.

Life and Habits of the Kererū

Kererū are found across much of New Zealand, from native bush and rural gardens to city parks. They’re most active in the early morning and evening, often seen perching high in trees or sunbathing on a warm day.

During breeding season, they perform beautiful aerial displays — soaring high, then swooping dramatically down through the trees. Their soft cooing call and elegant manner have made them a much-loved symbol of peace and the gentle spirit of Aotearoa.

A Tribute in Silver — Wildside Gifts’ Kererū Earrings

Inspired by the Kererū’s serene beauty and cultural importance, Wildside Gifts has designed a stunning pair of sterling silver Kererū stud earrings. Each piece captures the bird’s graceful form and shimmering plumage, celebrating the harmony between nature and artistry.

The Kererū design is more than jewellery — it’s a tribute to our native wildlife and the deep connection New Zealanders feel with the natural world. For visitors, it’s a meaningful keepsake — a piece of Aotearoa to carry home, symbolising tranquility, renewal, and life in balance.

Meaning and Value

In Māori tradition, the Kererū (known also as Kūkupa or Kūkū) holds spiritual significance as a messenger between the natural and spirit worlds. To wear the Kererū is to honour that connection — to remember the importance of caring for our land, our wildlife, and the stories that shape who we are.

Beautifully boxed and crafted from pure sterling silver, these earrings make a perfect gift for lovers of New Zealand’s nature and heritage — elegant, enduring, and uniquely meaningful.