Like other regions separated from the rest of the world for a long period, New Zealand has developed a distinct flora. About 75% of the native flora is unique, and it includes some of the world’s oldest plant forms. Apart from seals and two species of bats, did you know New Zealand has no indigenous land mammals?
There is a great diversity of birds (and I miss them!), some 250 species in all, including breeding and migratory species. They are not like the cockatoos and kookaburras of Australia.
Among the flightless birds the most interesting is the kiwi, New Zealand’s national symbol and the only known bird with nostrils at the tip of the bill instead of at the base. Other characteristic birds are the kea, a mountain parrot, and the tui, a beautiful songbird.
There’s a real purity in New Zealand that doesn’t exist in the states. It’s actually not an easy thing to find in our world anymore. It’s a unique place because it is so far away from the rest of the world. There is a sense of isolation and also being protected. (Elijah Wood)
Jo Luping Design produces art pieces such as ceramics, jewellery and prints. I particularly like their ceramics which have a real flavour of New Zealand about them. Jo and her design team draw inspiration from New Zealand’s land and sea.
I think they would make lovely gifts. Clever Bastards stocks a large range of Jo Luping Design ceramics if you are interested…
New Zealand is not a small country but a large village. (Peter Jackson)
If you’d like to learn more about Jo Luping and her designs, check out her website here.