WIRIHANA
Memorials & Headstones
Frequently asked questions & Testimonials from whanau
Can we view your mahi before purchasing?
Whanau are very much welcome to view our mahi before purchasing a Headstone. Viewing would be from our home in Huntly where we have a small gallery.
Please Note: Viewing by appointment only. Feel free to contact me for a day & time that suits.
What's the process of ordering?
Once you have chosen the package and sculpture you are after, we then send through a full invoice with bank details for payment. As soon as payment is made, I start to carve the taonga that has been chosen.
We also start to draft up the wordings that have been sent through by whānau. Once the draft layout is complete this is sent back to whānau for proof reading & date check. When the whānau is happy with the proof the engraving is done.
Meanwhile a copy of the photo supplied by whānau is sent to the processors to have made into the 8 x 10 oval headstone porcelain.
The Porcelain Photo
This is sent through to a trusted business affiliate that does a great job. Please note that they don't accept screenshots of photos, nor cropped photos. They will crop the photo themselves.
The best digital version of the image will always have the best results.
How long does a package take to make up?
If I have the carving stone and granite available in my workshop it usually takes between 2 to 3 months depending on the design. A full granite package may take 5 to 6 months. If in the position, it is always better for whānau to order sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment.
Do we have payment plans / or do laybys?
Sorry, we do not do laybys or time payments - being a small business and solo carver I require payment in full to obtain carving materials and stone.
How does payment work?
We require payment in full before we start any headstone. This is largely based on being such a small business that we are unable to carry deposits or time payments. But once payment is made, we start the project straight away. We send through a full invoice with bank details on it for payment. This invoice is also great for whānau and their trust records if required.
Where is pickup from?
Pickup is from our home in Huntly. We don't advise picking the stone up with a trailer as they tend to bounce around in transit. When picking up, bring plenty of soft blankets for the stone to lay on.
What is Oamaru stone and how long does it last?
Oamaru stone is a natural limestone cut out of the hills of Oamaru in the bottom of the South Island. It is a heavy, durable stone that once sealed makes a long-lasting headstone/memorial. Like all other headstones Oamaru stone does require a little aroha / maintenance down the track to keep it looking great. This involves applying a spray of moss killer eg: 30 seconds, wet & forget, when necessary, just to keep the mold spurs from growing.
Installation in a council owned cemetery can only be undertaken by a registered stone mason or business. Thanks to our business relationships we can help with permits, application as well as installation of the headstone in the Auckland and Waikato area. (Additional charges do apply. Starting from $400 + gst for your basic headstone)
Installation in a whānau urupā normally does not require permits / application. So, installation of the headstone is left to whānau. We do however drill the holes and insert the pins for easy installation by whānau. Go to the install page for information.
Do I carve custom pieces?
Only if I feel I can do the design justice and it will hold up strength wise. I however don't duplicate / copy other artist mahi. (Please note that a custom piece could incur more cost)
Can we freight a piece?
Yes, we are more than happy to freight a piece at the cost of the purchaser. I currently use Toll freight which can send a piece to a local toll depot for whānau to pick up. But pickups by whanau are always welcome and encouraged as this is always safer.
How much notice?
I do not take long term orders as I am a solo carver, I prefer not to lock myself in to a commission I may not be able to do. The best time to contact me would be about 16 weeks / 4 Months out from when you need it. Or if possible, go ahead with the piece sooner rather than later so that it is in your possession.
Can I take orders long in advance?
I am unable to take long term orders as I cannot guarantee that I will have the stone available when you are ready to have your piece sculpted, and due to minimal workshop space, I am unable to store pieces. It is often better to have the piece sculpted sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment.
Testimonials
Just wanted to thank you so much for the beautiful headstone for our Dad. When my brother brought it to the Urupa, we were so filled with emotion. All the work, sacrifice that we had been through to get to this point melted away once we saw Dad's face and felt the energy of the artwork you have produced. My younger brother is a carver and he bought some Tangiwai with him to stand next to Dad's headstone and each of his children have a carved piece from the same stone to take with us wherever we go. So many of our whanau have commented on the beauty of Dad's stone and we cannot agree more. Thank you again - Heather Blair
" Kia ora Clay, E kore e mutu te mihi nui kia koe e te rnagatira e Clay mo to mahi tino ataahua raawatu. I cannot thank you enough for the beautiful kohatu you have done for my darling husband Richard ."
Arohanui, Rehu Harris
" On behalf of my entire Whanau thank-you again for your workmanship, professionalism and advise. Our wider Whanau gave us Compliments all weekend and it is a very memorable piece so I will send more business your way if they ask me .
Nga mihi nui
Corina & Rob Mareela "
" Kia ora Clay & Kylie,
Oh just WOW. It has brought tears to my eyes literally" Larissa
" We commissioned Clay to sculpt a special piece for our Dad's headstone. He was amazing to deal with, always responding to our MANY questions etc., he was a true professional and created the piece we had dreamed about for our special, heartfelt reason. Thank you so much Clay, we would happily recommend you to anyone wanting a truly exquisite piece of work. We will always be so grateful for the job you did for us! Good luck and god bless" - The Bassett/ Larkins whanau (commissioned memorial stone)
" My Dad just arrived back from picking the 2 headstones up and WOW! From the bottom of my heart thank you so much. My heart was smiling wide when they came out of the car. They are absolutely stunning! My Papa passed away last year and he never married nor did he have children so my cousin and I have taken on the responsibility of putting on his unveiling for him. I must admit it has been quite a tough journey but when I saw the pieces you made for us it made everything all worth it. Its exactly what we had in mind. My Papa & Koro would be so happy with your work. I most definitely will be recommending you to others. Once again, thank you so much! Nga mihi nui kia koe mo to mahi tino ataahua" S. Pirere (commissioned memorial stone)
" Kia ora Clay,
I just wanted to say a huge thank you for the most incredible headstone. It truly is a work of art and has beautiful energy. The ceremony was very special and everyone present added their energy to make for a special resting place for dad. All were in awe of your workmanship.
Thankyou, too , for your professionalism through the whole process . I was so impressed with your communication and service from the beginning to end. With much appreciation ". Eve
"This is just what I envisaged! I'm such a big softy I burst into tears... happy ones! Such a stunning and amazing tribute to my Mum & Dad for their beloved Ratana faith. Yes, you did good alright" M. Sexton (commissioned memorial piece)
" I just wanted to thank you again, the headstone is a piece of art. I'm sorry I didn't say so much but I'm at risk of ending up in tears" C. Taylor (commissioned memorial piece)
" Oh my goodness , we love it!!! That's an absolute work of art. Thankyou so much for completing this for our whanau"
Nga mihi
Ioree and whanau
" All I have to say is WOW! It has by far exceeded my expectations, and I have high standards! Beautiful indeed... thank you so much" T. Ririnui
" Beautiful mahi done by an awesome guy. The tikanga and kaupapa behind the stone tells a story which connected with who and what my Papa stood for. Kia ora bro for the beautiful mahi" J. Lee
" I had been looking for so long to find the perfect stone for my son, and this is it. Thank you so much, highly recommend" T. Amoroa Davis
" Got our memorial stone today. Super happy with it. This guy has got some serious skills and was such a great bargain. Chur bro!" M. TeWhata
"Thankyou wholeheartedly for your unique beautiful mahi that you have created for my whanau. My dads kohatu is sealed to the foundation at our urupa now, ready to be unveiled. Best wishes, kindness and health to you and your whanau always"
Nga mihi atu
Robyn Tepania
" You know that feeling when you buy something based on a picture and when you get it its not quite what you imagined? Well this was not the case, in fact the sculptures are more beautiful. You are a very talented person and I will probably be doing business with you again"
" Wow, what a fabulous piece. Its the talk of everyone who comes to visit. Super well packaged so no chance in it coming to harm. If you are thinking of buying his work don't hesitate as they are really amazing"
" I can highly recommend Clay in supplying your next headstone, the end product is absolutely stunning. You will find Clay very accommodating when deciding on your piece, thanks Clay, love your work"