Kia Ora, 

 

In my mid-twenties as kind of a coming of age experience, I went into the wild to live off land. The place I went to is a rain forest located in Hauraki, New Zealand. It is a place special to my Iwi: Ngati Maru (My Maori Tribe). During my time in the rain forest I did a lot of exploring both of my spirit and the natural world around us. It was through these experiences that Papatuanuku instilled in me the drive to create a great Taniwha and the abilities to do so. 

 

Over a year of meticulously crafting this unique and special piece, embedded within its details is an encoded map. Created for the adventurous at heart a secret still lays undiscovered. You must have a keen eye, a curious mind and an adventurous spirit, here I give you an intrepid journey that will take you on a journey of your own, deep into the wild, far away to a sacred place visited by few before us. For the one that gives my beloved creation a new home, I aim to give you something beyond a simple object, something that enriches your soul and inspires your spirit. 

 

I look forward to meeting you one day. 

 

Nga Mihi 

Joe