ABOUT US
Weaving Cultures Carving Stories
Our Founder | Steve Gwaliasi
Born in the Solomon Islands, Steve Gwaliasi is a master carver whose journey weaves together the traditions of his Pacific heritage with the deep spiritual connection of pounamu (New Zealand greenstone).
Steve’s path to carving began in 1988, working on a gold claim in Aotearoa. As he unearthed pounamu boulders from the whenua (land), he felt an undeniable calling—one that led him away from mining and into the world of whakairo (carving). Drawing on both kastom (Solomon Islands traditions) and mātauranga Māori (ancestral knowledge), he founded Bonz N Stonz Carving Studio in 2000, creating a space where people from all walks of life could experience the art of carving firsthand.
With each piece he shapes, Steve blends the wisdom of the Pacific with the spirit of Aotearoa, ensuring that every taonga (treasure) carries a story, a connection, and a piece of the heart.
Manaakitanga
Carving Connections,
Uplifting Community
At Bonz N Stonz, Manaakitanga (care and hospitality) is at the heart of what we do.
We are proud to support our community by working alongside Poutini Waiora, Ko Wai Āu, local schools, support workers, and several local community organisations to uplift those in need.
Through hands-on carving experiences, we provide a space for healing, creativity, and connection, ensuring that everyone—regardless of their journey—feels valued, supported, and empowered to carve your own Taonga.
Commission Pieces & Precious Taonga
The talented team of carvers at Bonz n Stonz offers commissioned pieces for those who may not have the time or confidence to carve their own special taonga (treasure)
If you can’t find the perfect piece in-store, we can create something truly unique for you.
Whether it’s a custom New Zealand Greenstone Jade, bone, or shell carving, each piece is carefully handcrafted to bring your vision to life.
Commissioned works are available on request, ensuring a unique creation with deep meaning.
To begin the process, a 50% deposit is required, allowing our team to source the finest materials and dedicate their skills to crafting a taonga that will be cherished for generations.
Stone Identification
At Bonz n Stonz, we celebrate the abundance of beautiful coastline and the special taonga that wash up on our beaches.
We encourage our visitors to take a walk along Hokitika Beach, Serpentine Beach, and the iconic Green Shed. These are places where you may discover your own piece of New Zealand Pounamu (greenstone).
If you’re unsure about your find, bring it in, and our experienced team of carvers will help identify the stone and determine its suitability for carving.
We offer free stone identification for up to three pieces per day, with a small fee of 50c per piece for any additional stones.
To help protect our environment, we kindly ask that unwanted stones are not left outside the shop—please return them to where you found them.
For safety reasons, due to asbestos content, serpentine cannot be carved, shaped, or polished in our shop.
Before collecting any stone, we recommend reviewing the laws around Pounamu collection in New Zealand—see our FAQ section for more details.
Taonga Repairs
& Restringing at Bonz N Stonz
At Bonz N Stonz, we understand the deep connection you have with your special Taonga (treasure)
That's why we offer expert repair and restringing services in-store to help restore the beauty and mana of your treasured pieces.
Whether it's an unexpected break or a need for a fresh stringing, our skilled team is here to provide the care and craftsmanship your Taonga deserves.
Bring your items in, and we'll work to get them back to their full strength and beauty, so you can continue to cherish them for years to come.
Matakana Carving Studio
Partnership
If you can't make it to Bonz 'n' Stonz, you can still enjoy the carving experience at our sister studio, Matakana Carving.
Located behind Smiths Bar, next to the church at Matakana Country Park (1151 Leigh Road), this workshop offers the same hands-on opportunity to create your unique piece.
Whether you're visiting or have booked a session, you'll be guided through traditional carving techniques in a relaxed, creative setting.
If you're in Auckland and want to experience this, our Matakana studio is the perfect place to do so.
