The Kiwi with the Golden Beak 3.0 by Ema Frost
Ema Frost burst onto the Auckland art scene in 2010 and has been captivating her fans with her unique style ever since. Her bright colours give life to beautiful images, the inspiration of which comes from Ema’s fascination and deep respect for the mystery and magic found in Māori and Japanese folklore.
Describe the inspiration behind your kiwi.
My kiwi was inspired by a sense of calm, care, and connection to nature. The soft pink represents a gentle, feminine energy, while the golden beak symbolises value, protection, and something precious. Together, they reflect how special Aotearoa New Zealand is, and how important it is that we look after our native wildlife, especially the kiwi.
Describe the design process. How did your idea turn into a kiwi?
The design evolved quite intuitively. I started with a simple colour idea and allowed the form of the kiwi to guide the process. As I worked, the balance between softness and strength became important — keeping the shape clean and minimal, while letting the gold detailing elevate the piece. It was a gradual layering of ideas rather than a fixed plan from the start.
What's your favourite thing about your sculpture? What makes it super cool?
My favourite thing is the simplicity of the design and the contrast between the soft pink and the gold. The combination feels calm yet striking, and I love how the gold catches the light and adds a sense of something special and unexpected.
Why did you say 'yes' to joining the Kiwi Art Trail?
I said yes because I love working with sculptural pieces and the creative challenges that always arise when working at this scale. Each sculpture pushes me to problem-solve in new ways. Being part of the Kiwi Art Trail is also incredibly rewarding, as it combines art, community, and conservation.
What do you like about kiwi and kiwi conservation? Why is the kiwi important to you?
The kiwi is such a unique and gentle symbol of New Zealand. I admire how vulnerable they are, and how much care is required to protect them. Kiwi conservation matters to me because it reflects a broader responsibility we have to protect our environment and the living things that make this country so special.
Have you ever seen a kiwi?
Seeing a kiwi in real life is always special — they have such a quiet, almost magical presence. It’s a reminder of how rare and precious they are, and why protecting them is so important.
Why do you do what you do? What inspired you to become an artist?
I’ve always created since I was a child, constantly coming up with new ideas. I love working with different mediums and materials, and I especially enjoy the challenges that come with that — the problem-solving, experimentation, and finding new solutions along the way.
It wasn’t a conscious decision — it just naturally happened. Creating has always been part of who I am, and over time it simply grew into what I do today.
Find out more about the The Kiwi with the Golden Beak 3.0 on here.
