Tradition has always been about innovation. I'm often reminded of this when I speak with matua Jacob Scott

And he's right. When we look back at whakairo — it was never just ornamental. It told stories. It marked identity. It served a function. And it was made to last.

So when Matua Jacob and Jason Kendrick at Te Ara Hihiko said they wanted to carve using Cleanstone I never thought this would be the result.

Made from 100% recycled plastic waste; transforming 100% recycled plastic fishing nets and soft plastics into something meaningful. Something that carries story.

Because for matua, sustainability isn't a checkbox. It's embedded. In whakapapa. In process. In outcome.

It's a reminder that circular design isn't new.

Those who came before us were doing it way before we had the words for it.

And seeing Cleanstone — a material made from modern waste — used in this way… it hit different.

This is the kind of mahi that makes you reflect. On the materials we use. On the stories we carry. And the kind of future we want to leave behind.

Ngā mihi nui Te Ara Hihiko and Konei for this awesome collaboration. Manawa Udy you've outdone yourself with your incredible photography and story telling skills e hoa.

And if you want a piece of this kaupapa in your own home or office; It's available now!

Grab yours online here: www.konei.nz
Or in-store: 57 Cavendish Drive, manukau