Lewis Gardiner - Maori carver

Lewis Tamihana Gardiner, of Rotorua, is regarded as one of New Zealand's most innovative and respected Māori jade artists.

Since 1995, Gardiner has worked as a full-time jade and bone carver specialising in traditional Māori imagery. His unique sense of design and use of inlay, coupled with his ability to envision large-scale works — often using several varieties of jade — has set Gardiner apart and his work is now valued by collectors in New Zealand and throughout the world.

Gardiner was commissioned to make 150 pounamu taonga / treasures for the gold medal winners at the 2010 World Rowing Championships, at Lake Karapiro, New Zealand.