Local Focus: Pounamu combines Chinese and Māori art forms in fashion show
1 Apr, 2021 07:06 PM
2 minutes to read
Waka huia and Chinese bowl-forms on display. Made with funding from NZ On Air.
Video Journalist, Rotorua, NZH Local Focus delilah@localfocus.nz
Niki Nepia was raised by his grandparents in Ruatāhuna in Te Urewera. As a teenager he became interested in carving pounamu and has since built an international career in the art.
After learning Māori carving skills, he travelled to China to learn bowl-form carving.
Originating in China, this ancient style is rarely seen in New Zealand. But it will be on display at the Chinese Fashion Show in Rotorua this weekend.