A chat with carver George Edwards

Tohuka Whakairo (master carver) George Edwards (Ngāi Tahu) of Wairewa has created artworks for many organisations - various marae, the Christchurch City Council, Manaaki Whenua (Landcare Research) as well as whare and ceremonial gates.

In this interview he tells of learning to work with wood, the challenges of transporting logs and carving totem poles as well as various workshops and teaching programmes he has run.

Please note that this recording contains occasional coarse language.

Further reading

• The impressive Pouhake at Nga Hau e Wha National Marae was carved by George Edwards of Wairewa
• Cambridge Green features carvings by George Edwards
• Find books about whakairo at Christchurch City Libraries
• Woodworking titles in the library catalogue