Shannon Wafer
Student Carver
Te Ati Awa, Taranaki, Nga Puhi
Shannon Wafer has a lifelong goal to carve a meeting house for his people. Shannon is one of many students from around the country who come to Te Puia to learn the ancient art of traditional Maori carving.
For him carving is more than a trade. “I come from tribes who lost almost everything over the years, our land, our traditions. Where my mum is from up north there is no meeting house any more. No place to gather. No home for my people,” he says quietly. “The year I started carving my son was born. I don’t want him to grow up like me not knowing. That’s why I’m here learning.”
Shannon and fellow carving students are more than happy to share their stories with visitors while they carve. Some are sad. Some are funny. All are remarkable.
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