Kia ora, Ko Haylie tōku ingoa, I am a self taught carver living in Te Tai Poutini, with a deep love for my whanau, being creative and the spiritual connection of Pounamu.

My Whakapapa in Aotearoa has strong roots in Motueka, Tai Tokerau (Northland), and Ti Tai Poutini ( West Coast). Through my upbringing in these areas I have developed a bond with Te moana me te awa. My connection with water guided me on the journey of exploring the treasures that come from such places and I naturally began to move towards appreciating and eventually working with kohatu (stone).
For me, this journey is one of both receiving and giving, and part of my giving back to support my community, and my tamariki, who whakapapa to Ngai Tahu, is to connect with Te Ao Maori through Mahi Toi.

My Whanau and I treasure the West Coast and consider it home. From the deep bond with this place we naturally began to utilize Te Taiao (The natural world). In our lives with Toi (Art), Rongoa (Medicine) and kai (Food).
Eventually making a strong connection with Kohatu (stone) and carving Pounamu. After sharing my experiences of how this passion had impacted me through providing connection, cultural nurturing and a means to connect mind, body and spirit: A desire surfaced to develop a whanau centered business that provided the Tino Rangatiratanga (Self determination) to Mahi (Work) in a values aligned way. I am carving a future for my whanau and Hapori (Community) by living and working within the framework of Kaitiakitanga (Guardianship), Wairuatanga (Spiritual connection) and Whanaugatanga (Connection). These values are at the heart of this kaupapa (Purpose): and for these reasons I have decided to bring " A Slice of Poutini " into Te ao marama (The world of light). Named after " A slice of the West Coast ".

I live in Kawatiri (Westport), and work in a small workshop from my home. With support from local businesses my products can be found locally, all the way up to Karamea, online @Felt, and a Gallery in Taupo.
Recently small workshops in the community provide inspiration and connection with interested members of my community to join in making simple pieces and with the completion of a large rock cutting saw, stone cutting services are available too.