About

Pacific carver Jim To’o Stretton offers a
unique opportunity to connect with the
Pacific heritage in a deeply authentic
way.

This workshop celebrates Pacific
culture through the practice of carving
that has been cherished for generations.

The workshop begins with storytelling
followed by learning carving techniques.
Workshop participants will be guided in
creating their own pacific design to carve
their own unique pieces.

Jim To’o Stretton is a Glen Innes based
artist of Samoan and European descent
with 15 years of carving experience.

Workshop costs include a take home carving kit.

Four week programme: 4x Saturdays starting 15 February - 8 March 1-3pm

Register via "Book Tickets" button above or directly on Eventfinda: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2025/js-carving-workshop-jim-too-stretton/auckland/glen-innes

Te Oro

The long-held community dream of a music and arts centre for young people in Glen Innes is here.
In this multi-purpose space, young people and the local community can come together to perform, practise and learn the arts; express their creativity and talents; and celebrate their cultures.

Jim To’o Stretton

Jim To'o Filiva'a Stretton is 30 years old, proudly of Samoan and European descent, and the owner of JS Carvings Ltd. He has been carving for nearly 20 years, but what he is most proud of is his beautiful family—his incredible wife, Naomi, and their two young children, aged three and two.

What he loves most about his carving ventures is the opportunity to reconnect with his Pacific culture and create spaces for others to do the same. Carving is an increasingly rare Indigenous art form, and part of his vision is to revive and celebrate this knowledge, inspiring others to see the importance of embracing their own cultural practices for their overall well-being.

Beyond creating hand-carved pieces, Jim also runs carving workshops, craft unique photo frames and canvases, and shares his work worldwide. But this is just the beginning. His dream is to inspire the next generation of Pacific creatives—showing them that pursuing art and culture can be a successful and fulfilling path.

Jim is deeply grateful for the support of his family and community, and excited to see where this journey takes him next.