Rusty Deer Creations brings creativity, craftsmanship and a distinctly rural character to homes, farms and gardens across New Zealand. Based in Hawke’s Bay, the company creates striking Corten steel garden art, custom signs and personalised metalwork designed to develop more character as the years pass.
Rusty Deer Creations began producing steel products in 2015, growing from a small side project into an established New Zealand brand. Founder Tim Groves combined his interest in metalworking with rural life, developing designs that celebrate animals, nature and the Kiwi outdoors.
The company offers an extensive collection of Corten steel art for gardens and outdoor spaces. Popular designs include hares, fantails, quail, ducks, rabbits, chickens and other familiar animals. Customers can position different creations in the ground, on trees, against walls or on posts to create eye-catching features around their properties.
Watch it weather
Corten steel gives the artwork its distinctive appearance. Rather than requiring a conventional painted finish, the steel naturally develops a stable rust-coloured patina when exposed to outdoor conditions. This weathering process gives each creation an individual finish while forming a protective surface layer.
Rusty Deer Creations also specialises in custom steel signs and bespoke metalwork. The team works with customers to transform photographs, sketches and ideas into personalised designs. Projects include farm and property signs, entrance gates, business branding, privacy screens, planter boxes, braziers, house numbers, wall art and wedding signs. Customers stay involved throughout the design process.
Fully Recyclable and Eco-Friendly
Sustainability at Its Core: Corten steel stands out as an environmentally friendly material. Its longevity and resilience mean it rarely needs replacing, reducing waste and the demand for new materials. When Corten steel does reach the end of its life, it is fully recyclable, ensuring it can be repurposed into new steel products without losing quality or durability.
Low Maintenance, High Reward: The natural weathering process of Corten steel eliminates the need for paint or chemical treatments, both of which can have harmful environmental impacts. This not only saves on maintenance but also reduces the chemical runoff into the environment, making it a preferred choice for eco-conscious projects.
Energy Efficiency in Production: The production of Corten steel is energy efficient, with a lower carbon footprint compared to other materials. Its durability and the absence of the need for protective coatings further enhance its status as a sustainable building material.
For custom projects, the team develops the initial concept before providing a digital proof for approval. Production only begins once the customer approves the design, helping ensure the finished steel artwork reflects the original vision.
Rusty Deer Creations combines durable materials with imaginative New Zealand design. Whether customers want distinctive garden art, a custom farm sign or a personalised steel gift, the designs become lasting features rather than disposable decorations.
