This is a tale of three carvers, masters in three mediums: wood, bone and stone. You can visit – and get commissions from – one or all of them.
Wood – Taupo (Huka Lodge or Poronui Lodge) – two days
Mount Titiraupenga, long known by Maori to be the centre of the North Island, is home to a sacred area of mature native bush, 600 year old Totara trees. This mystical and totally private setting is where we like to arrange a formal welcome, followed by a ‘sharing session’.
The main warrior is the master carver for the local Ngati Tuwharetoa tribe – Delani Brown. A gentle, humble and spiritual man. In Maori tribes, the carver is second only to the chief as the carver is the guardian of the stories and traditions, which he keeps alive in his work.
Delani Brown is acknowledged as a master carver of his Taupo-based Tuwharetoa tribe. A gentle, humble and spiritual man, he is happy to spend some time with our clients introducing them to carving.
Bone – Nelson (Split Apple Retreat) – two days
Meet Brian Flintoff, a master bone carver and make of Maori musical instruments. His vibrant pieces are full of passion and energy relating to deep cultural understanding and creative interpretations of ancient wisdom. Brian is also comfortable working in bone.
Jump into your helicopter with Brian and go scouting for material. Fly over stunning scenery whilst discussing what you would like Brian to create.
The next day, spend the morning with Brian for the final commissioning discussions.
Stone – (Greenstone/Jade) – (Queenstown/Wanaka/Glenorchy lodges) – three days
Bevan Climo is based in the Hokitika, the heartland of New Zealand’s greenstone/jade, known locally as pounamu. Harder than steel, pounamu has a special significance in New Zealand, known as the “soul stone” of the country. Bevan brings an innate, intuitive feel to expressing himself through this special medium. Bevan is descended from the Paramount Maori Chief of Poutuni Ngai Tahu.