Whale Tales

Whale Tales brings a pod of uniquely designed and painted whale Tail sculptures to Tāmaki Makaurau – forming a free, family-friendly public art trail for all to enjoy. Featuring 80 Big Broos (large Tail sculptures) and 80 Pēpi (mini Tail sculptures) that have been turned into bespoke pieces of art by well-known and emerging kiwi artists and schools, the Tails – inspired by the endangered Bryde’s whale – will tell the “tales” of our moana and how we all have a part to play for a healthy ocean.

These individually designed tails will go on display through the streets, parks, and public spaces of Auckland, for 12 weeks from January to April 2022, for all to enjoy.When the trail ends, the mini Tails will be returned to schools to enjoy, and the large Tails will be auctioned to raise funds for WWF-New Zealand’s vital work to protect and restore the Hauraki Gulf/Tikapa Moana/Te Moananui-à-Toi.

About the Artist

Nancy Tschetner

Inspired by Mother Nature, over the last 19 years Nancy Tschetner has developed an eccentric style and presentation of art. The majority of her work is created solely with the natural shades of sand. She paints with adhesive and uses up to 60 different shades and structures of sand. Gradually, each and every grain becomes part of a larger image represented in her artwork. Sand is a natural material containing a sort of mineral memory.
Nancy believes that her pictures carry messages from Mother Nature and the energy of the place the sand originated from.
Her main subject matter is nature ‒ “Creating nature with nature“. Getting outside is good for the soul. Through Nancy’s artwork, she tries to bring the outside in. Living with beautiful objects that pay tribute to the natural world reminds us to slow down and helps us reconnect with nature.

https://cdn.aucklandunlimited.com/zoo/assets/media/auckland-zoo-whale-tail-020222-11.jpg

There are some hidden treasures in this Tail!

Nancy Tschetner shared this about her tail:

"I used mostly recycled, crushed glass and the natural and pure shades of New Zealand sand, to re-create all the natural beauty. One sand crystal alone is often insignificant but when joined with others, can create a much larger dynamic image. I liken this to what people can achieve when they come together, the strength that can be created and the visions that can be achieved. This process also represents the small things we all can and need to do, to protect our planet and all species living within for future generations. With my artwork, I like to remind people about the importance of our valuable relationship to Mother Nature and our roots, it is this connection that enriches our life's."

Get the App

Download the Whale Tales 2022 APP. You will be able to use this app to unlock sculptures and get rewards and offers from sponsors - including discounts at the Zoo!

Receive a 10% discount in the Zoo Shop (exclusions on conservation fundraising products and gift cards) by redeeming the reward on the app.