Why Pukeko?

The naming of the Cottage...

A back of deep blue indigo feathers and a red streak from its beak like the sunrise - you can’t help but love the Pukeko, one of New Zealand’s most endearing birds! Balanced on long legs of vermilion orange, with strong, broad feet for the wetlands, these are birds of character, part of the essence of our land!

 Look carefully as you travel our country and you will spot groups of Pukekos, often in the most surprising of habitats. What makes a swamp hen, whose ideal feeding territory should the raupo swamps of the wetlands, choose to gather along the side of busy roads, totally oblivious to the traffic roaring past? Quite simply, a plentiful food source that outweighs the risks – the road side drains provide these birds with a fast food outlet of insects, small frogs and vegetation! We should be thankful for their choice of dining location. It makes them easy to spot - and they are wonderful birds to observe!

Although similar in size to a chicken, their long, dainty legs and gorgeous, almost iridescent, hues give their movement an air of grace on land. Not so as they attempt to fly!  Their take off is laboured and, with long legs dangling, their flight is awkward, ending often with a crash landing into scrub.

But this is all part of the charm of a Pukeko!  Exuding personality, they are ripe for characterisation, little wonder that many of New Zealand’s leading artists and craftspeople have drawn on the magnificent colours of the Pukeko as inspiration for their work.

And so it began. My love affair with the Pukeko. It started with the gift of a pair of ceramic Pukekos for the garden. It only seemed right to name my new home, Pukeko Cottage…and from that moment on, the gifts continued to flow. Mugs, plates, a teapot, prints, paintings, tiles, shirts, soft toys, placemats, fridge magnets, books, puppets, yes - even socks. If it has a Pukeko on it, someone will have thought of me and my little cottage. Pukeko Cottage, exudes just as much character as its namesake. I’m sure you’ll love it here.

I would like to thank Northland artist, Jo May for granting me permission to use her striking work to illustrate my site. Based in Waipu, on the east coast of New Zealand’s  North Island, Jo’s beautiful silk paintings depict many of Northland’s scenic landmarks and the flora and fauna along our coast line. I encourage you to visit Jo’s site to view her work.

www.jomaydesign.co.nz