Nikora Henare - Carver

                                 

Nikora is born and bred in Kaitaia, Te Tai Tokerau, Far North, Aotearoa. Herekino is his turangawaiwai. A proud father of 9 tamariki and grandfather of 8 moko.

Nikora has always been a keen artist and has been a carver and tattooist for over 11 years.  

The mahi (work) he does today around the half faced Atua Carvings was inspired by a well known NZ sculpturist, Joe Kemp.

In the beginning it began as a hobby, however as time went on he was inspired to create his style using kiln dried Swamp Kauri sourced from Waiharara in the Far North.  The swamp kauri he uses has an estimated age of between 20,000 – 40,000 years old. 

Nikora breathes whakairo (carving).  It has given him purpose in the life he leads today. His passion for whakairo certainly shows in his creative mahi produced.