He mahi pounamu: Chance to give pounamu carving a go

Nau mai, haere mai ki tēnei mahi toi ki te taone. A mobile Pounamu carving unit will be parked outside Tūranga this week and will be offering free drop-in pounamu carving and repair workshops.

 Nationally recognised pounamu carver and artist Jon Jeet and his kaitautoko will be onsite showing people how to carve a simple pounamu form – participants can watch and then give it a go themselves.

Based in the Tūhono Taonga Tūhono Tāngata Trust mobile carving unit, the free hour-long workshops are running from 10am – 2pm from today to Wednesday.

The trust was established to aid in teaching and connecting people within the community with pounamu.

“This is an opportunity to explore and witness the process of pounamu carving,” says Trust Chairperson Irihāpeti Mahuika.

“It is a kaupapa Māori based knowledge and we are hoping to connect with Māori who are interested in learning more about Toi Māori.

“Pounamu carving is for all ages. Though our kaupapa has a focus on rangatahi Māori from 10 years old and above, if there is anyone who is wanting to come and have a look, this is also welcome.”

Entry is on a first-come-first-served basis throughout each day and sessions run for about an hour. “We welcome Māori to come and connect with their traditional knowledge based systems.”

The work can be a bit messy so participants are encouraged to dress appropriately. All materials will be supplied.