Collection: Tim Codyre

Well-known carver Tim Codyre is Pākehā but learnt whakairo from Ngāti Whatua master carver Alan Nopera over 30 years ago. Tim carves with native timbers & focuses on traditional forms such as taiaha, koauau, tekoteko, & waka huia. Based in Auckland, he became interested in woodcarving during his late teens. While studying at Elam School of Art at the University of Auckland a lecturer introduced him to Alan which led to an apprenticeship in traditional whakairo carving.

Learning the traditional art form takes many hundreds of hours & Tim considers himself very fortunate to have been immersed in the rich experiences associated with whakairo. The traditional patterns all have their own meanings & when worked together they create a vocabulary with which the carver can tell stories. Tim became the head carver on the Auckland Girls’ Grammar School whare, wānanga, Kahurangi ki Maungawhau which then led him to work as Māori carving supervisor at the Māori Community Centre in Auckland. He has worked on meeting houses, family taonga, canoes, & public carving installations.

We are proud to support, Tim Codyre!