About Phil...

Phil is a carver from Waimarama which is on the coast south-east of Hastings, New Zealand.

Phil started carving when he was aged 15, originally taught by Riki Manuel and Malcolm Hooper while he was at school in Christchurch.

After leaving school he attended Auckland University where he was lucky to be taught by Dante Bonica, a master adze maker and one of the most knowledgeable people in New Zealand when it comes to Traditional Maori Material Culture and History. He taught Phil very traditional knowledge and the importance of it.