Des Hetherington

Des Hetherington’s interest and affinity with New Zealand Greenstone (Pounamu) was ignited when visiting Karamea on the West Coast of the South Island, where he encountered an ancient Pounamu adze. This was the beginning of his lifelong journey of discovery into New Zealand Greenstone.

Fortunately, Des’s family later moved to the West Coast—among the source of Pounamu—where he began learning about the many different carving forms and stone varieties. The Kōkopu, Inanga, Kahurangi, and Marsden Flower Jade hold a special place for him. In the early seventies, Des’s creativity led him to carving the stone he had come to love.

Over the years, Des’s knowledge of Māori carving has continued to grow. More recently, he has had the honour of being mentored in the intricacies of wood carving by a Māori master carver. This additional depth of cultural understanding has brought new purity and spirit to his primarily one-off Pounamu designs.