Our Story.
Our Story.
Arrowtown Stonework is earthy and boutique – our whanau workshop is nestled below the beautiful peaks that surround the sparkling Arrow River.
How it all started.
For three generations my family has carved greenstone in the small alpine town of Arrowtown in Central Otago, New Zealand. My grandfather, Gary Mullings taught my father, Lee-Roy who taught me using his homemade polisher, which was made from a washing machine engine with a sandpaper spinning wheel.
I spent hours as a teenager behind these machines learning to hold, handle and respect the stone as I watched the process of it being cut from a large river stone and refined to the intricate, delicate and polished carvings that we display today.
Ngati Kahungunu
Lee Mullings, Head Carver
"It's important for me to acknowledge the cultural significance of the stone before beginning the carving processing - assessing grain, clarity & colour."
Maori Traditions.
My father’s Māori background has influenced his beautiful designs and carvings. Lee-Roy has a wealth of knowledge regarding jade and he is an inspiration for me to continue to learn how to carve. I have wanted to share his beautifully carved designs and boutique products with the rest of New Zealand.
Traditional
Carving Process.
Traditional
Carving Process.
Carving Process.
Our Philosophy.
To create beautiful and traditional Maori designed products using high quality New Zealand greenstone. We are connected to the cultural significance this stone carries from the past and into the future.
The connection with the greenstone to the earth & river is unique and special to us and this part of the South Island of New Zealand.
Workshop & Markets.
You may have seen my partner Lindsey Coup and I set up around New Zealand at local craft markets. We are enjoying continuing to share this treasured stone with others who love, and are drawn to New Zealand’s precious stone. Please feel free to come see us in Arrowtown or at a market stall. Look out for our social media posting on our next market.
More About Us.
Greenstone Meanings.
Maori designs hold important religious and spiritual belief and meaning.
Contact Us.
If you have any questions about our products or our carving process we would love to hear from you.