Our Special Guest Carver for 2025 Gareth McGhie
BIRTHPLACE; Heretaunga, Hastings, New Zealand.
IWI AFFILIATION ; Ngāti Kahungunu, Ki Heretaunga, rāua Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua rohe.
ARTIST STATEMENT: The Kaupupa I work within is Wairua based. Te Ao Mārama provides my
inspiration, my materials, and my purpose as an artist. My ancestors, and contemporaries, provide
a template of excellence in craftsmanship. The creation of wearable artworks, heavily influenced
by the natural world around me, coupled with Te Ao Māori, gives me peace and direction.
Having this work worn, seen, and enjoyed by others completes for me the creative cycle.
Where and when is the workshop?
This National bone carving event commences in the Mokau Hall, Main Rd Mokau on Friday the 18th of April. Carvers will be arriving from all over the country so it will be a staggered start with those able to, beginning at 9am and others later in the day. Carvers will bring their gear to the hall, set up and start the magic. We will all be welcomed onto the Maniaroa marae on the Friday evening, before returning to the Mokau hall for a community dinner. Carving will continue through Saturday and Sunday - then on Monday morning we pack up and recondition the hall - say our blessings and farewells, and head back to our homes.
How much will it cost me?
Because of generous financial support from FirstGas, plus the voluntary work of our enthusiastic organising team, we are able to offer the workshop for $75 per person for the full Easter weekend.
We welcome beginner carvers
This workshop provides an opportunity for carvers both novice and experienced, from all around the country to share ideas, designs and techniques. We have equipment for 10 beginners, and people willing to teach you how to carve.
Book your spot on the next workshop
The workshop is limited to 60 carvers on a strictly first-come-first-served basis. Contact Mike Brown now to ensure your place. $75 per person
0272236138 or 22pilotroad@gmail.com
Book your accommodation
For those who feel comfortable staying at a marae, we encourage you to accept the invitation to stay at the Maniaroa marae for the weekend for $50 per person. For those who need alternatives, Mokau has a range of accommodation options starting at $25 per night.
Please contact Mike Brown for an accommodation list
0272236138 or 22pilotroad@gmail.com
Join in with the local community
The bone carving shares the hall with the Mokau pop-up craft market. Between us we attract 400+ visitors over the 3 days. The atmosphere is vibrant and engaging and carvers are free to sell bone carvings to these visitors
Mentors, advisors and special guests past and present
These are some of the most gifted carvers in the country and the most generous with their knowledge, advice and support. Because of them, a new cohort of bone carvers is rising through the ranks. These are our elder statesmen, our role models.
Enquiries
Contact Mike Brown
Mokau Community Hall, Main Road Mokau, Taranaki, New Zealand
0272236138