Bespoke Sculptures Joins Forces to Help Save One of New Zealand’s Rarest Birds

The endangered blue duck (Whio)

At Bespoke Sculptures, we believe art has a role to play in something bigger — not just to be admired, but to make a difference. That’s why we’re proud to be supporting Eastern Whio Link, a passionate conservation group working to protect one of New Zealand’s most endangered native birds — the blue duck.

The blue duck is a true symbol of New Zealand’s wild places. It lives only in the clean, fast-flowing rivers of the backcountry and is rarely seen by most people. With fewer than 3,000 left in the wild, it’s a bird in real trouble — under threat from habitat loss, pests, and human activity.

Eastern Whio Link is working hard to change that. Based in a remote area of the central North Island, their team is restoring river habitats, trapping predators, and bringing local communities together to protect this rare bird. Their approach is practical, hands-on, and driven by a deep love for the land and its wildlife.

At Bespoke, the natural world has always inspired our work — the detail in a feather, the curve of a wing, the stillness of a moment captured in bronze. When we were invited to support Eastern Whio Link through a special project and event, we didn’t hesitate. It was a chance to give back through what we do best: creating art with purpose.

This collaboration is about more than just raising funds — it’s about raising awareness and telling a story that matters. We’re helping to bring people together around a shared goal: keeping the wild parts of New Zealand alive and thriving.

Our partnership with Eastern Whio Link is a natural fit. They work to protect nature — we work to reflect it. Together, we hope to inspire action and ensure future generations can enjoy the beauty of our wildlife, not just in sculpture, but in the wild where it belongs.

We’re currently working alongside Eastern Whio Link to help bring a special awareness and fundraising event to life — one that celebrates the power of community and creativity. Stay tuned for more details, and for ways you can get involved and support this important cause.

To learn more about the work being done to protect the blue duck, visit: https://www.easternwhiolink.co.nz/