Greenstone presentation

Press, 12 October 1985, Page 3

Greenstone presentation

Mike Mason (above), a Christchurch greenstone carver, holds two pieces commissioned for presentation to the GovernorGeneral, Sir David Beattie, and Lady Beattie. The pendants of Arahura River greenstone will be presented to Sir David and Lady Beattie today by a central North Island tribe.

Mr Mason, who works as the South Island’s only fulltime commercial greenstone carver, was asked to carve the pendants at a tourism conference in Rotorua last week. He went to the Arahura River on the West Coast for tbe greenstone because “it is the best greenstone in the world.”

The design for the pieces were the idea of Mr Mason’s wife, Desley. The manala for Sir David shows both the hold he has had on New Zealand and his links with Australia. The pendant for Lady Beattie Is of the kohanga reo symbol and. represents the family. Last year Mr Mason was made a cultural ambassador by the Miniser of Tourism, Mr Moore. Since then he has had a number of

commissions for carvings. Much of his business comes from tourists who visit his Sheffield Crescent workshop. He also carves many pieces for members of Parliament travelling overseas to give as gifts to dignitaries in other countries.

The Prime Minister, Mr Lange, wears a pendant that Mr Mason carved and gave him at the Maori Summit. Mr Mason will be demonstrating his carving at the Winter Show on of crafts organised by the Lapldarian Society from October 18-20. He is the guest exhibitor for tbe show which will include displays of rocks, shells, sllverwork, porcelain, crafts and carving.