Wayne Costar

Wayne Costar is a multimedia carver and sculptor based in Takaka, Golden Bay, working primarily in New Zealand nephrite jade (pounamu/greenstone) alongside wood, shell, fossil ivory, whalebone and tagua nut. With over 30 years of carving experience, his pieces range from traditional and contemporary pendants to sculptural work that draws on each material’s natural character.

Wayne also makes taonga puoro, traditional Māori musical instruments, with the koauau (a type of flute) a particular focus of his practice since first attending a Taonga Puoro wānanga at Onetahua marae in 1994. His pounamu work reflects decades spent exploring and gathering material across New Zealand before settling permanently in Takaka.