Wellington Airport has officially unveiled its highly anticipated new terminal sculpture, featuring a magnificent 15-meter-long illuminated artwork called Manu Muramura, which replaces the iconic giant eagles that captivated visitors for over a decade. The spectacular piece, created by the renowned designers and sculptors at Wētā Workshop, represents a local Māori bird spirit and marks a significant shift toward showcasing uniquely New Zealand storytelling at the international gateway.
The impressive sculpture boasts sophisticated construction elements including a fiberglass body and wings supported by steel armature, complemented by polycarbonate feathers and a 3D-printed head complete with internal lighting systems. The translucent and reflective feathers create a stunning visual effect that has already begun drawing admiration from travelers and locals alike. Wellingtonians and international visitors had been eagerly awaiting this new installation since the beloved eagles were removed in early May.
The previous installation featured two giant eagles, including one carrying Gandalf the wizard from Lord of the Rings, which were dismantled after serving as the terminal's centerpiece for 12 years. These eagles had achieved remarkable success as a tourist attraction, with travelers from around the world making special trips to admire them. Airport Chief Executive Matt Clarke explained at the time of their removal that "they have been a huge success, and travelers from around the world have loved admiring them. After 12 years it's the right time for them to fly the nest."
Manu Muramura draws its inspiration from the traditional pūrākau (story) of taniwha Ngake and Whātaitai of Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington Harbour, representing a deeply meaningful local legend. According to the story, both taniwha longed to explore beyond the harbor, but while Ngake successfully broke free, Whātaitai became trapped in the shallow waters. As Whātaitai took his final breath, his spirit ascended in the form of a bird called Te Manu Muramura, passing through Rangitatau, which serves as the portal to the universe beyond.
"Wellington Airport has made headlines around the world for our terminal showpieces, and we're especially proud of this one because it tells a uniquely Wellington and New Zealand story," Clarke stated. "It's going to provide a totally unique and memorable welcome or farewell for the millions of travelers who pass through every year. Working with Wētā Workshop and Kura Moeahu to develop this taonga has been a great privilege for our airport team."
Wētā Workshop co-founder and chief creative officer Sir Richard Taylor expressed his pride in helping the airport represent this powerful narrative. "We were proud to help the airport represent the story of Manu Muramura, which is a powerful and inspiring origin story of the place we call home," Taylor said. "It's been fantastic to work with them once again, alongside renowned local artist and designer Manukorihi Winiata, in creating something uniquely Wellington to welcome and farewell visitors."
Cultural advisor and consultant Kura Moeahu, who represents Te Atiawa, Nga Ruahine, Taranaki-tuturu, Ngati Mutunga, Ngati Tama, and Ngati Toa iwi, emphasized the cultural significance of the installation. "It was wonderful to see this pūrākau brought to life through this beautiful taonga," Moeahu said. "This sculpture represents our deep connection to whenua and the stories that have shaped Te Whanganui-a-Tara for generations. I'm proud that manuhiri [visitors] from around the world will now experience our story and understand the spiritual significance of this place through Manu Muramura."
The replaced eagles, which weighed a combined 1.2 tons and featured a total of 1,000 individual feathers, had their own dramatic history at the airport. Originally made by Wētā Workshop and unveiled in December 2013 to promote the Hobbit trilogy, the eagles experienced an unexpected incident shortly after installation when an earthquake in January 2014 shook one loose, sending it crashing onto the food court below. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported from the incident, and after proper reinstallation, the eagles remained securely in place through multiple subsequent earthquakes.
Following their recent dismantling, the historic eagles have been placed into storage while airport officials continue to develop long-term plans for their future use. Meanwhile, another Wētā Workshop creation, Smaug the Magnificent, continues to serve as a prominent feature in the airport's check-in area, maintaining the connection to New Zealand's film industry heritage while the new Manu Muramura installation begins its role as the terminal's primary cultural ambassador.
