Shannon Turuwhenua is an award-winning wood sculptor based in North Waikato, Aotearoa. Drawing deeply from his Māori (Tūhoe), Scottish, and Irish descent, his work is a powerful exploration of heritage and identity.

His artistic process is intrinsically linked to the land, beginning with the mindful sourcing of native and exotic timbers from across the country. Whenever possible, Turuwhenua uses reclaimed and recycled wood, ensuring every handcrafted piece carries an added layer of history and is truly unique. Drawing inspiration from everyday objects, he reimagines them as larger-scale sculptures that transform the familiar into something extraordinary.

Self-taught and deeply connected to his materials, Turuwhenua's work speaks to the stories embedded in wood, both the trees themselves and the lives they've lived before finding new form in his hands.