Within the Wings of the Kāruhiruhi, Brick Bay’s 2026 Folly

Art & Design

The Matakana Coast is celebrated for its rolling vineyards, pristine beaches and vibrant local arts scene. Just a short drive north of Auckland, this coastal paradise offers the perfect escape from the city. Now, there is a brand-new reason to pack the car and head to Snells Beach.

Brick Bay has officially unveiled its 2026 Folly architectural sculpture installation and it is a breathtaking addition to its world-renowned Sculpture Trail. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for the perfect weekend getaway, this new exhibition is a must-see.

Inspired by Nature: Within the Wings of the Kāruhiruhi

Titled Within the Wings of the Kāruhiruhi, the 2026 Folly is a poetic architectural marvel that seamlessly blends into the surrounding environment. The installation draws its inspiration from the beautiful pied shag (kāruhiruhi) and the gentle, ongoing rhythms of nature.

Featuring beautifully curved timber ribs, the design creates a fluid, wing-like structure that feels simultaneously grounded and weightless. Adding to its organic charm, the sculpture incorporates thousands of real leaves, meticulously preserved with glycerine, bringing a stunning tactile element to the piece.

The project’s deep connection to the land and local community was honoured right from the start, with the installation receiving a meaningful opening blessing led by local iwi, Ngāti Manuhiri.

The Next Generation of Architects

This incredible structure is the brainchild of a talented team of recent architecture graduates from the University of Auckland: Nyle Macaranas, Rain Nario, Naomi Felicia, Jasleen Basra and Sufyaan Chuttur.

For these emerging designers, the Folly project was a monumental journey, transitioning their vision from small-scale university models to a magnificent full-scale build. But they didn’t do it alone. The realisation of Within the Wings of the Kāruhiruhi is a testament to community spirit and industry collaboration. The team received incredible hands-on support and guidance from mentors, notably Unitec’s Keith Mann, who helped navigate the complex realities of construction.

The opening of the Folly also served as a touching tribute to the legacy of the late, great architect Pip Cheshire. As a passionate champion of the Brick Bay Folly program since its inception, his enduring influence on Aotearoa’s next generation of architectural talent is deeply felt within this project.

Make a Day of It

A visit to see Within the Wings of the Kāruhiruhi is just the beginning of the ultimate Matakana Coast day out. After marvelling at the new installation, you can spend hours exploring the lush Brick Bay Sculpture Trail, where you will discover past Folly winners and over 50 large-scale contemporary artworks set among native bush and sparkling lakes.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, take a seat at the stunning Glass House Restaurant. Cantilevered over a shimmering lake, it’s the perfect spot to indulge in locally sourced, seasonal cuisine perfectly paired with a tasting of Brick Bay’s exquisite, estate-grown wines.

Plan Your Visit

Ready to experience the magic for yourself? Gather your friends and family and head to Brick Bay to walk the sculpture trail and experience ‘Within the Wings of the Kāruhiruhi’.