Tai Poutini Polytechnic Art

Art at Tai Poutini Polytechnic

Arts and Carving

Jade (pounamu) is the West Coast’s special treasure (taonga), prized by Maori and European alike. Our Jade carving courses are situated in the heart of the New Zealand Jade carving industry at the source of the stone.

The certificate programme has been offered by Tai Poutini Polytechnic since 1995, up until 2000 it was called the Certificate in Jade Carving. The addition of other hard stones was introduced into the curriculum in 2000 to enhance the range of carving material and has proven to be popular and a great learning experience.

The Certificate and Diploma in Jade and Hard Stone Carving are the only full-time academic programmes in New Zealand offering Jade and hard stone carving as a speciality. The Certificate is an introductory course to the technical aspects of carving. The Diploma allows for personal design, creative exploration, work experience or business skills for carvers.

Since 2010 elective options have been offered to allow students to choose their pathway – whether that be industry, self-employment or personal development. The Academic Skills course is recommended for those who may not have studied at a tertiary level, to help the student cope with academic course requirements.

Programmes

• Certificate in Jade and Hard Stone Carving

• Diploma in Jade and Hard Stone Carving

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