Jack Brooking
Te Araroa

Like that well worn whakatauki about the kumara not liking to say how sweet it is, so it is with Jack Brooking.
Jack Brooking is a master carver and father of a brood of highly creative children. It is obvious that his love for his culture reflected in his dedication to his work has rubbed off. His daughter Joni is studying Ta Moko under renowned Tohunga Ta Moko Mark Kopua. His son Henare has already trodden this path and practices Ta Moko in his own business Moko-Ira. Jack's son Paora has just finished organising the first Matariki Festival of the Arts in Rangitukia. Jack's version of the artists lifestyle is a satisfying one on so many levels.
Jack has been carving for many years. In 2006 he completed the awesome job of carving the newly built house Te Aotaihi at Awatere Marae, Te Araroa. For this mammoth job, one that took over twenty years to complete, Jack worked alongside, under and with Mark Kopua - Tohunga Whakairo. It is a beautiful Marae lovingly carved and a fine example of Jacks work.
Jack also travels a lot to tautoko (support) his children, to learn from others and to take part in the many opportunities for cultural practice to which he is invited.

To contact Jack for commission work you can call him in Te Araroa on: (06) 8644 700 or email his daughter Joni on jadellebrooking@hotmail.com