Trevor Willetts

Having spent most of my working life in Fiordland as a commercial fisherman, helicopter shooter, and meat hunter, I eventually retired and needed a challenge—something to keep me busy. My wife Debbie and I started collecting stones from the beaches close to where we live, polishing them and making a few pendants.

When I was about 70 years old, I eventually acquired some Pounamu and started carving this amazing stone.

I’ve made all my own gear—which isn’t perfect, but it does the job. And I find there’s nothing more enjoyable than cutting into a new stone, discovering what’s inside, and getting it ready to work.