Toutouwai (North Island Robin) Open Edition Print

The toutouwai (North Island robin) is a small, inquisitive bird found in native forests across Aotearoa. Known for its gentle curiosity, the toutouwai often follows people along forest paths, a behaviour that has made it a beloved companion of trampers and kaitiaki alike.

To Māori, the toutouwai is a spiritual messenger — a guide between worlds, sometimes believed to carry the presence of those who have passed. Its song is said to bring comfort and reassurance, symbolising hope and the enduring connection between the living and the spirit realm.

Once threatened by habitat loss and predators, toutouwai populations are recovering through the efforts of the Department of Conservation (DOC) and community initiatives such as Project Island Song. Protected sanctuaries have allowed their song to return to the Bay of Islands and beyond — a reminder of the power of collective guardianship.

In this painting, the artist captures the toutouwai’s quiet strength and soulful gaze — a tribute to the resilience of nature and the spirit that watches over it.