Picking up carving chisels and working on my first patu ignited a desire to learn about each pattern, their meanings, the whakapapa of the wood, what iwi use what patterns, which then extended into a want to delve into my own whakapapa.

Drawing, wood and pounamu carving are my preferred methods, taking inspiration from my whakapapa, whānau and my journey thus far. My goal is to showcase our culture and with every art-piece made, I imagine a small piece of our culture is being shared with someone to display as they see fit.

I began my business Potene Designs - a name derived from my great-great-great-great Grandfather, Tamati Riini Potene in August 2022 and since then I have been lucky enough to find mentors that have played a huge part in expanding my artistic abilities.