Soap Carving with Ngaroma Riley
Discover the rich traditions of Māori carving in this hands-on workshop with artist Ngaroma Riley. Learn about the tikanga of carving and the ancestral form and function of the koruru (carved gable mask) before developing practical carving skills using soap and simple, safe tools.
Guided by Ngaroma, you'll explore techniques for creating three-dimensional forms while carving your own unique koruru-inspired artwork to take home.
Suitable for beginners, with activities that can also be adapted for those with more carving experience.
Workshop Dates: Sunday 20 September, 10.00am–12.00pm / Sunday 20 September, 2.00pm–4.00pm / Thursday 24 September, 6.00pm–8.00pm / $20 per person (includes all tools and materials) / Ages 12+ (Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.)
About the Artist: Ngaroma Riley (Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri, Pākehā) is an artist and founder of Te Ana o Hine, a wāhine-led carving shed based at Te Tuhi in Tāmaki Makaurau. Ngaroma began her carving journey creating Buddhist statues while living and working in Japan. Since returning to Aotearoa in 2020, she has completed a Certificate in Whakairo at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
Her recent achievements include building a storehouse for a sculptural installation in Kaitaia, being shortlisted for the 2023 Kingi Tuheitia Portraiture Award, and winning the 2025 Molly Morpeth Canaday Major Art Award. She is widely recognised for her hand-carved karetao (puppets) and her distinctive sculptural practice.
Te Ana o Hine at Te Tuhi is a wāhine-led carving space established to create a safe and supportive environment for wāhine taketake and others who encounter barriers within the carving world. Meaning "the cave of Hine", the studio draws on the mana of the atua wāhine, providing an āhuru mōwai (sanctuary) for artists to learn, create and connect. The name also acknowledges the whare tangata—the house of humanity—honouring wāhine Māori as creators and nurturers of future generations.
Bookings are essential as places are limited.
Bookings are essential as places are limited. Soap Carving bookings
This is a Te Tuhi programme supported by Auckland Council