There are currently no further Pōneke dates scheduled for 2026.

We’re planning to return to Pōneke in 2027, bringing more of our craftspeople and a wider offering of Resourceful Craft workshops.

If you’re interested in attending this workshop when we return, please register your interest by emailing info@resourcefulcraft.org.nz. Expressions of interest help us understand demand and shape our future Pōneke programme.

You can also sign up to our mailing list to be the first to hear about our 2027 Pōneke workshops, as well as other Resourceful Craft news and opportunities.

This beginner-friendly workshop will guide you through the process of carving a fundamental kitchen tool: the wooden spatula. Learn about the basic functional rules that guide spatula design, and sketch your own onto a blank sourced from sustainably grown hardwood from Banks Peninsula. Learn to work with the properties of wood grain, and how to safely use a variety of straight-knife techniques to shape your blank into a finished and functional object. 

Spatula carving is an ideal first introduction to green wood carving and establishes  many of the techniques used in spoon carving and beyond.

Please note:

• All materials and tools will be provided.
• Footwear – Closed-in footwear is essential.
• Gloves – If you feel more comfortable wearing gloves when using sharp tools, we recommend you bring tight fitting garden gloves or cut-resistant gloves – loose gloves can be a hazard.
• Food & drink – Bring a water bottle to keep hydrated, and any food or snacks you may need over the course of the workshop. To observe tikanga, we ask that no food or hot drinks are consumed in the workspace; a separate area will be available for breaks.
• This workshop is for adults aged 18 and over who can work safely without direct supervision with very sharp hand tools, or for young people aged 16–17 who can meet the same safety requirements and attend with a supervising adult. If a young person attends, two workshop places must be purchased (one for the young person and one for the accompanying adult).

Cancellation

Bookings are non-refundable. If for any reason (this includes illness, travel delays, and injuries) you need to cancel your workshop, you will receive a refund minus a $30 administration fee. This is provided you contact us at least 14 full days before your booking.

Please see our Cancellation Policy for more details.

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We are grateful to be able to offer this workshop because of support from Creative New Zealand.