Te Ara Whakarei

Charles Raponi Wilson

Te Arawa, Ngāti Rangitihi, Tuhourangi, Ngati Hinganoa

Charles Raponi Wilson

Collective(s):

Ko Ruawāhia te Maunga

Ko Tarawera te Awa e rere atu ki te Awa ō te Atua

Ko Te Arawa te Waka

Ko Ngāti Rangitihi te Iwi

Ko Charles Wilson (Raponi) ahau

I am a self taught carver from Matatā but currently reside in Te Puke. In the 1960s I spent some time in the central Hawkes Bay fencing and rasing a family, while in my quiet time I learned to carve wood and bone.

I was introduced to Pounamu by a friend in 1980, and gave up fencing to focus on carving. For the past few years I have specalised in Heitiki, having carved at least 3000 to date.

Championing the finest of Māori creativity, past, present and future. Championing the finest of Māori creativity, past, present and future. Championing the finest of Māori creativity, past, present and future. Championing the finest of Māori creativity, past, present and future.