Lucia Laubscher is an Auckland-based artist hailing from South Africa. She draws inspiration from nature to create work that sparks curiosity, celebrates the character of a place and its people.
This sculpture is a celebration of kaitiakitanga — the sacred responsibility we carry to guard and nurture the living world around us. Painted in bold colour and pattern, it brings together eco symbols and treasured Kiwiana icons, creating a visual language that honours both the land and the culture it sustains. For there can be no culture without the whenua that holds it. The kiwi, rare and irreplaceable, stands as a living emblem of who we are. Just as this bird is uniquely of Aotearoa, so too is the culture that calls this place home. Kaitiakiana is more than a sculpture. It is a vessel — carrying the hope that we will protect our wildlife and our ways of being with the same care, pride, and love.
Describe the inspiration behind your kiwi.
My art is usually full of bold patterns and bright colours, so I wanted to bring that same energy to this kiwi.
It started as a fresh take on ecological symbols and logos, but along the way it grew into something that also brings in Kiwi culture and Kiwiana elements, together with a message about looking after the environment.
The kiwi is just as much a part of New Zealand as the people who live here. Looking after the bird and looking after the culture feel equally important to me.
While I was painting, I realised there was space for some of my favourite Kiwiana details. That’s how Kaitiakiana came about — a Kiwiana kiwi with a mission to spread a bit of conservation awareness.
Describe the design process. How did your idea turn into a kiwi?
After being part of the Bee in the City campaign earlier this year and having painted bands of bold colour and pattern for “Hive Culture” I thought of using a similar design for the Kiwi, but with an ecological twist rather than the cultural focus I had for my bee.
What’s your favourite thing about your sculpture
It’s face and the little details that you need to be up close to notice.
Why did you say 'yes' to joining the Kiwi Art Trail?
I’ve wanted to be part of the Kiwi Art Trail for a while now, so when I got the request I was super stoked to say yes! I had just completed the Bee sculpture and enjoyed the whole process and how the art created awareness around an important subject, so this seemed perfect!
What do you like about kiwi and kiwi conservation? Why is the kiwi important to you?
Kiwi are just so cute, and they’re completely unique to Aotearoa. They’re one of the most iconic parts of this country, and I think looking after them really matters — because New Zealand is every bit as unique as the bird that New Zealanders are named after.
Have you ever seen a kiwi?
I have not and yes, I would love to at some point.
Why do you do what you do? What inspired you to become an artist?
I love painting, creating beautiful art, using my art to tell stories and spread messages. I don’t see myself as just an artist, I view myself as a visual storyteller. I’ve always wanted to be an artist, from a very young age - to put the images in my mind on paper, canvas, walls… and share the stories.
Find out more about Lucia and Kaitiakitanga here.
