Kia ora, ko Haylie tōku ingoa, I am a self taught carver living in Te Tai Poutini. A pakeha woman, with a deep love for my whanau, being creative and the spiritual connection of Pounamu.

My whakapapa in Aotearoa has strong roots in Motueka, Tai Tokerau and Ti Tai Poutini. Through my upbringing in these areas I have developed a bond with te moana me te awa. My connection with water guided me on the journey of exploring the treasures that come from such places and I naturally began to move towards appreciating and eventually working with kohatu. For me, this journey is one of both receiving and giving, and part of my giving back to support my community, and my tamariki, who whakapapa to Ngai Tahu, to connect with te ao Maori through mahi toi.