This piece is a part of my taking sides series that explores the plight of our native birds as they seek to survive in newly evolving less hospitable habitat. In each work I juxtapose a New Zealand native bird with an introduced plant or visa versa. Some birds have managed to thrive with minimal invention by humans and others are marooned on off shore islands until we can create an environment where they are safe from predators.
 
The title suggests if these birds ( Huia ) weren’t hunted to extinction they could have been a part of our conservation efforts, such as the success of our local volunteers from @otanewainukukiwitrust with the Kōkako. Placing these birds in what seems like a suburban garden setting helps us to remember the value of conservation efforts.