22 years ago Michael met Master Carver, Tony Kapua at Ohinemutu in Rotorua who drew a pattern on a piece of wood, gave Michael a mallet and chisel and said, “Carve it”, then told Michael that he had a natural talent and that he shouldn’t put his tools down.
He moved on to work with Te Maru Marsh at Te Poho-o-tangiianui Marae in Napier, and at Mihiroa Marae with Tuhoi Huata in Paki Paki, Hastings. Now Michael is a master carver and painter. He works across multiple disciplines – carving, drawing and painting – to produce works inspired by nature.