About Matai
Prumnopitys taxifolia, the matai or black pine, is an endemic New Zealand coniferous tree that grows on both the North Island and South Island. It also occurs on Stewart Island/Rakiura but is uncommon there. It grows up to 40 m high, with a trunk up to 2 m diameter.
Maori valued matai for its fine-grained timber, which they used extensively for building, and carving ornate items like waka huia and waka stem posts, and a wide range of musical instruments, (including flutes of various types).
Maori valued matai for its fine-grained timber, which they used extensively for building, and carving ornate items like waka huia and waka stem posts, and a wide range of musical instruments, (including flutes of various types).