Ko Tamatea raua ko Rakaumangamanga ōku maunga, ko Hokianga raua ko Ipipiri ōku moana, ko Ngatokimatawhaorua te waka, ko Te Rarawa me Ngapuhi nga iwi. Ko Mark Howard tōku ingoa.

Nau mai, haere mai, ki Toi Maaka,

Mark is a self-taught carver who combines traditional and contemporary styles in his work. He feels exceedingly fortunate to have skilled tohunga whakairo in his family, and he is part of a collective of carvers who offer guidance, support, and inspiration to one another.

After many years in Auckland working full time and pursuing his passion for carving part time, he and his wife relocated to an elevated bush property overlooking the Whangaroa harbour, where he could dedicate wholly to the art form.

Immersed in the beauty of the abundant native flora and fauna, connected to the land of his ancestors, Mark is blessed with the resources at hand and the resounding resonance of a waterfall in his front yard. Although the path chosen is a solitary one and often possesses unique challenges, ultimately, there is great satisfaction and reward...especially the response from recipients when their work is completed and acquired.