Piwakawaka 1oz Silver Proof Coin - Silver Coin

The pīwakawaka is fantail species found only in Aotearoa New Zealand. Its distinctive ‘cheet cheet’ call is a common feature of forests and backyards all over the country.

The pīwakawaka (known by 20 or 30 other names) also has an important place in Māori mythology: it is said be responsible for the presence of death in the world. The demigod Māui, believing he could give mankind everlasting life by entering the goddess of death through the pathway of birth, was thwarted when the pīwakawaka woke. The goddess, Hine-nui-te-pō, was so angry with Māui that she ended his life by crushing him between her legs. Although not to be feared, it can be interpreted as a sign of a death to come.

Pīwakawaka have two colour morphs: pied and black. The pied pīwakawaka is the more common and more widely distributed form, and is featured on this coin. The stunning portrait of the pīwakawaka is by New Zealand artist Julian Hindson, the coin’s designer. The branch the bird perches on is raised and frosted. An effigy of His Majesty King Charles III designed by New Zealander Stephen Fuller features on the obverse.