Fine white dust falls like snow as metal etches it way through bone, revealing a carved treasure.

Carving for more than 20 years, Gavin Smith is introducing those keen to wield the tools into the world of bone carving.

Taught by master carver James Tapiata, Gavin says that bone carving has changed the way he sees the world.

'I believe that whakairo is about story, the role of the bone carver is to create a snapshot in time.”

His carving workshop in August is part of The Incubator Creative Hub's Matariki Calendar which brings a diverse mix of art and events to Tauranga to celebrate the Māori New Year.

'Matariki is something I've celebrated for the last 20 odd years with my kids. It's the bringing of new and understanding the new seasons. The more I learn, the more I can share with my kids and my moko.

"Matariki is about all those things and keeping it alive, continuing it and celebrating and bringing our communities together.”

Teaching others to carve, Gavin says he enjoys the sharing of knowledge.

'I think there's real value in sharing and I learn too every time I teach and I get asked different questions. Every time I share something I get challenged by a different angle so I'm constantly learning through the experience as well.”

In amongst teaching people to carve fish hook designs from beef bone in the workshop, Gavin says: 'We're looking at the values of conservation and sustainable management through some of the origins of carving.

'This course is an interpretation of the value I place on the story within the carving of bone.”

Gavin is hosting a workshop over two sessions on August 12-13 at The Creative Community Campus, 159 17th Avenue. For more details and to book visit: www.theincubator.co.nz/event-details/bone-carving-workshop-2