Tavioni site a work in progress

While making a vaka for vaka eiva has kept master carver Mike Tavioni occupied over recent weeks, progress is still being made at the site of his new workshop and gallery.

Tavioni is slowly building at the site, which is opposite his home and current workshop.

The area now includes a completed stall, which has carvings made by himself and his wife, Awhitia, for sale.

Tavioni says the intention is to build further stalls, to be used as a venue for others to sell their crafts – with 10 per cent of sales going towards completing the project.

With many of the wooden beams in place, the site is ambitious in its size with the intention to include a gallery, craft stalls, a workshop and a teaching space.

The site is slowly progressing as funds become available, with one section of roofing in place, and Tavioni aims to complete the roof across the first section of the building by the end of November.

Several workshops have already been held on the site, including a group from Utah in the United States who made ukuleles, students from Taumarunui who carved turtles, dolphins and whales, a group from Australia, and closer to home students from Nukutere College.

Tavioni says that he teaches them a variety of skills, depending on what they wish to learn.