Hard Stone and Jade Carving (Level 3 & Level 4)

You already have a passion for art and an affinity for New Zealand’s treasured stone – now you can turn your dream into a real career with Tai Poutini Polytechnic’s respected Hard Stone and Jade Carving programmes (the New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design Levels 3 and 4).

As well as learning the skills and techniques required to carve pounamu/greenstone, your tutors will also ensure you’re ready to make a living from your art by the time you graduate. TPP is the only training provider in New Zealand offering this unique Hard Stone and Jade Carving programme, and its location on the South Island’s rugged and culturally significant West Coast, make this a very special training option.

The New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design (Levels 3 and 4) are the only full-time academic Hard Stone and Jade Carving programmes in New Zealand offering this speciality. The rock carving programme is open to beginners and will teach you basic skills.

The Level 3 programme offers a basic introduction to carving and design. Students are encouraged to engage in creative exploration, personal growth, independent study and the development of work ethics suitable for the industry.

The Level 4 programme builds on the skills students learn at Level 3, preparing them to turn their passion for art and sculpture into a real career. In this programme, students take more responsibility for the conceptual and creative processes and applying these to their carving skills. Study provides students with an introduction to the technical and design aspects of carving Limestone, Hard Stone and Jade.