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OCTOBER 19 - 2011
A deep respect for Fashioning a future New Zealand’s precious stone Not long ago we welcomed acclaimed greenstone carver and artisan Paul Graham to Dargaville — a talented exponent of the ancient art of Pounamu carving. At the time it was noted that Paul is one of a select group of carvers acknowledged by Ngai Tahu as using only authentic and authorised New Zealand jade — the stone known as Pounamu by Maori. In pre-European times this functional and beautiful stone was prized above all else throughout New Zealand, and the Ngai Tahu people of the South Island were its guardians, forging trails deep into the forest and up rivers such as the Arahura to find the deep green stone. A large part of Paul’s journey as a carver and artist using this unique medium has involved exploring the history of Pounamu and of Ngai Tahu themselves. While developing as a carver he travelled to the South Island as part of a joint Outward Bound/Ngai Tahu cultural course, where he walked the greenstone trails up the Arahura and learned about the history of the precious stone — as well as its future. After seeing many reports in the media about the poaching of greenstone, and of unscrupulous carvers labelling foreign jade as Pounamu, Paul was convinced he had to do things the right way. He promised himself that if he was unable to forge a relationship with Ngai Tahu and work legitimately and ethically with true greenstone he would give up carving forever.
Paul, Amy and Ezra Graham — the pounamu artisan and his family
Thankfully for us, after a three month registration process Paul’s application was accepted, putting him in the vanguard of a movement to properly regulate the local industry. “Carving isn’t all about the money,” he says, indicating his collection of beautifully finished traditional pieces. “Learning about the history of Ngai Tahu has given me a great respect for the stone — I’m now making more perfect pieces.” Looking ahead, Paul envisages a time when all greenstone carvers in New Zealand enjoy the same relationship with Ngai Tahu as he does — a mixture of best business practice and good ethics which will guarantee a better future for all involved, as well as making sure each precious Pounamu carving sold is as authentic as a professionally graded diamond!
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Authentic Ngai Tahu Pounamu
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Tangowahine’s Navit Skelton cleaned up at the recent Bernina Fashion Awards in Whangarei. The young Diploma in Fashion Design student, was placed third in the open fashion section and second-equal in the wearable art section. “I was home-schooled in Tangowahine,” says Navit, “but started playing on a sewing machine as soon as I could reach the peddles. Navit won awards for ‘Summer Snow’, an evening gown, which is inspired by the image of a summer’s day being Award winner, Navit Skelton dashed by unexpected snow. The gown is a warm cream, with faux flowers, layers of silk chiffon and a chiffon cape — like snow is melting off the shoulders. Navit’s award in the wearable arts section is for ‘If a picture paints a thousand words, then why can’t I paint you?’ a piece inspired by ‘If’, a song by Bread. “I love books and I love this song. I imagined a young lad who is deeply in love and the object of his affection is so beautiful, that he can’t describe her. She is the perfect picture. “He can’t find a single word, as she is the picture that paints no words: the one that words cannot describe. Navit Skelton says she never envisioned a full-time career in fashion design and was more interested in being in front of the camera. “I actually wanted to be an actress and did a drama course through NorthTec and after that I did a course in sewing children’s wear. I’ve always been sewing and never thought it could be a career option but now I do.” Now, the award-winning twenty-one-year old student has her sights set high and is hoping to work with Weta Studios in Wellington.
Courtesy of Archives, Dargaville Museum Extracts from the North Auckland Times, Dargaville . . .
July 12th 1912
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MATAKOHE
uch disappointment has at times been felt by subscribers and others at the non-arrival of the Tuesday and Wednesday issue of the Times and other mail by Saturday via Ruawai. The papers in question and the mail coming via Helensville arrive on the following Monday. It was pointed out to Mr. Coates M.P. the benefit Paparoa and Matakohe settlers would derive by having mail sent from Auckland on Friday coming via Ruawai and reaching here on Saturday morning.
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WANTED
anted to borrow for a term of two years, £100. Will give £50 for a loan of it and pay off at the rate of £4 per month. Apply Worker, c/ — Times Office.
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Mobile: 027 781 5495 Email: paul@jade-jewellery.co.nz Web: www.jade-jewelry.co.nz
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NORTHERN WAIROA RACING CLUB
well attended meeting of the Club was held last night at the secretary’s office to decide on the course on which to hold a race meeting on Boxing Day since the club’s freehold property cannot be used at so early a date. A resolution was moved that the race meting be held at Te Kopuru followed by an amendment that it be held at Maropiu. It was mentioned that Mr. Powell had sold the property at Te Kopuru but it was stated that there would be no difficulty in securing permission of the new owners to use the course.