Andrew McGregor

For me, carving pounamu is a lifelong journey — one that continues to deepen my connection to my heritage, my homeland, and the remarkable strength and beauty of this stone, treasured for generations and renowned for its hardness and durability.

I am a pounamu carver and artist of part Ngāi Tahu descent, originally from the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, now based in Christchurch. After beginning my carving journey in 2005 and completing a Certificate in Jade and Hard Stone Carving, I was offered a position as a full-time jade carver at a leading carving studio, where I refined my skills over several years.

Since then, I have established my own workshop, creating a diverse range of handcrafted jewellery and sculptural works. My artistry is influenced by ancient cultures and traditional art forms from around the world — particularly Māori, Celtic, Viking, Asian, and Mesoamerican design traditions — all of which inspire the stories, symbolism, and forms within my work.

Every piece I create is part of an o