Brett has long held a fascination with birds since he began carving stone. There is an elegance and beauty to them — timeless in form and rich in presence across the folklore and mythology of many cultures, including Māori.
 
In Te Ao Māori, birds were often depicted as messengers between the natural and spirit worlds. Some tribes regarded them as guardians, or kaitiaki. Among them is the powerful and majestic Kārearea, revered for its speed and agility.