Local carver a national treasure

By Frank Neill

Churton Park carver John Spittal “is a national treasure,” according to his friend Simon Robertshawe.

John carves mainly walking sticks, with intricate individualised designs he has researched and created.

He is in the process of carving Simon – who is 6 foot 8 inches and finds shop-bought walking sticks are too short for him – a second walking stick.

John, Simon says, is a master carver.

“There are not many people in the world who can do this type of carving, and he’s modest too.

“He’s the only person in New Zealand who does it at this level.”

John took up carving after he retired in 2007 from mapping with the Lands and Survey Department and with Land Information New Zealand following the name change.

“For me the carving is rather important,” John says.

“It keeps me occupied.

“When I’m carving time flies and I forget about all my issues in life.”

He particularly likes doing very intricate and detailed carving.

To achieve this John does not use a hammer and chisel, as most other carvers do.

Instead he uses knives, knives he has made himself. And he holds the walking stick he is carving in his hand, rather than using a vice.

“I use them [the knives] like the paint brushes that an artist would use.

“I don’t know of anyone else in New Zealand who does it the same way,” he says.

Using knives and holding the wood in his hand allows him to undertake very intricate and detailed carving – something he really enjoys.

He also grows his own wood for most of his work. If he is not using wood he has grown himself, he goes to the beach and picks up driftwood.

The first step in any new project is research, another thing he likes about his carving.

One of the walking sticks he has carved has a medieval theme, and this meant John had to research such medieval items as gargoyles.

Most of his work is done for friends and family.

“Someone tells me what they want and I try and do it as best I can,” he says.

Although relatively new to carving, John is not new to working with wood.

He taught woodworking for 30 years in community education classes at Newlands College, Tawa College, Wellington High School and Naenae College.

He also belongs to the Guild of Woodworkers Wellington and Menzshed Naenae.

“I wouldn’t recommend anyone doing this [carving] for money,” John adds. “I’d be lucky to get 50 cents an hour.”

Engagement on Wellington City Council’s 2023/24 annual plan is now open.

“We’re undergoing a significant transformation programme – replacing aging infrastructure, preparing for population growth, earthquake-strengthening our buildings, and responding to the climate and ecological emergency,” the council says.

“At the same time, the council is facing major cost pressures, including increased inflation, borrowing and insurance costs.

“This year’s budget includes a proposed rates increase of 12.3% after growth (the increase in the number of ratepayers) – an average of about $8.00 per household per week.”

People can comment on the annual plan at letstalk.wellington.govt.nz/ annual-plan-2023-24 until 30 April.