Fire destroys the home of our community wood carver.

Last week our humble community carver lost his home to fire.

Our project is to honour our kaitiaki Hineruru, with a 3 metre carving of her living persona the Ruru morepork in Oakura Bay, Whangaruru.

"When Tati came to me he could barely hold still for the pain in his lower back from desperately bucketing water from the river to his burning whare. He looked me in the eyes and told me he was sorry that the Pfeil woodworking tools we gifted him burned in the fire. I told him I'm grateful he is safe and well. I told him I would find a way to replace them.

Iwould like to go one better. I would like to replace his and another to be stored at his Marae across the road. A carver should always have access to his tools. Especially when he donates his time and skills to his community.