30 Apr 2026
This year, all eight of our Rotorua Mountain Jade Carving Studio team will be participating in the iconic Rotorua Marathon - which takes place on Sat 2nd May 2026.
Tamaora, Akapita, Jason, Dylan, Foua, Daniel and Tiakiwai will be taking on the full distance of 42.2km. While James (not pictured) will be out there on the 10km course.
At the heart of our studio is a belief that creative excellence comes from personal wellbeing. Over the last two years, the team have been on an incredible fitness journey, tackling IRON Maori, the Tarawera Ultra Trail 50km and the Rotorua Marathon.
Under the tutorship of Tamaora Walker, they have fostered an environment where each carver is supported not just as an artist, but as a person - nurturing tinana (physical) and hinengaro (mental) wellbeing to enhance wairua (spiritual) inspired creativity. It’s a way of working that echoes the principles of Te Whare Tapa Whā, grounding our craft in balance, connection, and care.
A self-led wellness group, focuses on pushing themselves physically and tightening their bond outside the workshop, with dawn gym sessions, daily swims and group runs in the Whakawerawera Forest. We are incredibly proud of the group and all they are becoming.
At Mountain Jade, we believe creativity thrives when people do. Our team pushes the boundaries of traditional pounamu design by supporting each other to take creative risks, refine their skills, and grow individually. This is a shared space - one of laughter, honest feedback, encouragement and accountability - and it's from this culture that truly original work emerges.
This weekend they will put down the tools and pick up their running shoes....Saturday is about achieving something inspirational together. Another step in their journey. Good luck to the boys! Go after it.
