May 08, 2024
Theft cuts Kerikeri carver
A Te Tai Tokerau kaiwhakairo wants his chisels returned.
Renata Tāne, of Ngāti Rēhia, says the 90 chisels stolen from his workshop at NorthTec’s Kerikeri campus last month have immeasurable value.
They include not just the set he started with 20 years ago but some from Te Puia Māori Arts and Crafts Institute and others gifted by whanau that had been handed down from tupuna.
“I have to try and find a way to build my set back up because I can’t stop working. There’s still more things to be carved. We’re in the middle of finishing our waka – well almost at the early stretch – so there’s still more tings that I need to finish so, yeah the loss is immeasurable,” Tāne says.
Renata Tāne says he’ll happily accept the chisels back – no questions asked.