Spring in Aotearoa: My Paper Kōwhai Flowers
Every spring in New Zealand, the kōwhai trees burst into a cloud of golden blooms. Their bell-shaped flowers light up streets, parks, and backyards. Their sweet nectar draws the tui and other native birds to feast. Here in Hobsonville Point, we have several kōwhai trees planted in the area. I always stop to admire them when they're in bloom. They're one of those sights that instantly make me smile and remind me how lucky we are to live surrounded by such beauty.
It's no wonder the kōwhai is one of Aotearoa's most beloved native flowers. The bright yellow blooms stand out even on the cloudiest day, and they've long held a special place in our hearts and culture.
Kōwhai flowers in Auckland, NZ
Recreating the kōwhai in paper
This year, I wanted to capture the magic of the kōwhai in a form that would last beyond the short flowering season. I haven't seen many crepe paper kōwhai flowers before, so it's been a joy to try recreating one of Aotearoa's most beloved blooms in paper.
In order to re-create the kōwhai in paper, I studied the blooms in detail - did you know that they consist of five petals? The elegant golden bells with their gentle curve weren't particularly hard to create, however the sepal (looks like a cap) was a different story and was most challenging to recreate. The tiny leaves were also a challenge.
For this piece, I used 180 g Italian crepe paper, hand-cut and shaped to mimic the natural texture and flow of the petals. I plan to try 90 g crepe next, which might help achieve a softer, more delicate drape closer to the real flower. Every petal is curled and painted by hand, a slow process that feels both meditative and rewarding.
My crepe paper kōwhai - work in progress
Why I love recreating native blooms
Working on the kōwhai made me realise how paper flowers can celebrate and honour the plants that define our local landscape. I don't see them as a replacement for real flowers - nothing compares to seeing kōwhai glowing in the sunlight - but rather as a way to enjoy their beauty year-round.
Paper flowers are also gentle on the environment. Each piece is handcrafted with FSC-certified paper and designed to last, so you can enjoy the look of nature without needing to pick or prune the real thing. Kōwhai are not usually used for cut flowers mainly also due to it's short vase life. With paper kōwhai flowers, you can have this beauty inside your home all year round.
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My crepe paper kōwhai
A lasting tribute
Recreating the kōwhai reminded me of why I fell in love with paper flowers in the first place. Each one tells a story - not just of the bloom itself, but of the moment it represents. For me, it's the soft light of early spring, the hum of tui in the trees, and that burst of yellow that makes everything feel alive again.
I hope my paper kōwhai brings a bit of that joy into your space too - a touch of golden warmth that lasts long after the season fades.
- Tessa 🌼