Begin your experience with a warm welcome grounded in tikanga Māori (customs and values). Your kaiako (carving tutor) will introduce you to the cultural significance of pounamu, sharing the meanings behind traditional designs such as the toki (strength and courage) and roimata (healing and connection). Through these stories, gain a deeper appreciation of the stone and the process before you begin carving.

Then, be guided step-by-step through the carving process. Using a combination of traditional methods and modern tools, shape your chosen piece of pounamu from raw stone into a finished pendant. Your tutor will support you through each stage—cutting, grinding, sanding, and polishing—ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and rewarding experience.

No prior experience is needed. This workshop is designed for beginners, travelers, and creatives alike. Whether you’re confident with your hands or trying something completely new, you’ll be supported in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

One of the most special parts of this experience is the personal connection you develop with your taonga. Unlike buying a souvenir, you’ll invest your own time, intention, and energy into the piece. Many people choose to create their taonga as a symbol of a journey, a memory, or a connection to someone important in their lives.

Learn how to bind and finish your carving, turning it into a wearable necklace. By the end of the session, leave with a completed pounamu taonga—polished, meaningful, and entirely your own.

This experience reflects the kaupapa of Aotearoa Bone and Stone Carving Academy: bringing people together through creativity, culture, and wellbeing. The academy works with communities across Aotearoa, delivering carving workshops that strengthen identity, build confidence, and foster connection.

Located in Auckland, this workshop is ideal for visitors looking for an authentic cultural activity beyond the typical tourist experience. Group sizes are kept small to ensure personal guidance and a high-quality experience for every participant.

All tools, materials, and safety equipment are provided. You simply bring your curiosity and willingness to create.

Whether you’re visiting New Zealand or rediscovering your connection to it, this pounamu carving experience offers something truly lasting. Walk away not only with a beautiful handcrafted piece, but with knowledge, stories, and a deeper connection to Aotearoa.