These unique stud earrings are made from recycled bird banding waste from the Department of Conservation, turning conservation leftovers into something meaningful.

Each piece provides a tangible connection to bird conservation efforts, raising awareness about Aotearoa’s unique wildlife.

• Dimensions: 1.5cm diameter 
• Stainless steel posts and backings
• The versatile design means that these can be taken apart and worn as plain studs too
• Made from PLA (3D printer waste) in Christchurch, NZ by Remix Plastic
• Each feather is unique with its own colours (and blemishes)

What is bird banding?

Bird bands (rings) are a permanent marking technique used to identify individual birds. Each metal band carries its own unique prefix and number. Bands allow researchers and conservation managers to study the life cycle (births, deaths, age of breeding), habits such as bird behaviour, breeding activities and what they eat, and also the movements of birds.

Some species of bird on Tiritiri Matangi Open Sanctuary are banded as part of their management, these include the Takahē and Kōkako.