ABOUT THE MAKER
From the forests of West Auckland to the workbench.
I'm Sean. Awa Woodworks grew out of a lifelong connection to the outdoors, a fascination with working by hand and an unexpected journey that changed the direction of my life.
WHERE IT BEGAN
Raised in the outdoors
I grew up in West Auckland, surrounded by the rivers and forests of the Waitākere Ranges. My parents ran an outdoor adventure training company, so much of my childhood was spent rock climbing, abseiling, canyoning, camping and tramping through the native bush.
I grew up exploring the regenerating native forests of the Waitākere Ranges, walking among the trees and discovering remnants of the region's logging history — old tramlines and dams slowly being reclaimed by the bush. They were reminders of the history of the place, and left me with a lasting curiosity about the trees and timber that came from it.
Those experiences gave me a deep respect for wild places and the natural world. That connection remains at the heart of the materials I choose to work with.
A life spent learning precision
From the age of six, I dedicated fourteen years to artistic gymnastics. The sport taught me patience, discipline and the value of refining a movement until every detail mattered. Injury eventually brought my competitive career to an end, but that attention to detail stayed with me.
After finishing school, I spent a year studying science at AUT with the idea of becoming a radiographer. I discovered I was happier working with my hands. At twenty, I moved into construction and spent the next decade working on everything from renovations of relocatable homes to high-end architectural builds, some of them valued at over $20 million.
That work gave me an understanding of materials, construction and craftsmanship that I now bring to much smaller, more personal pieces.
INSPIRATION
The journey that changed everything
In 2016, I lost my mother suddenly to a stroke. A few years later, still trying to process that loss, I set off alone on a 1,200 kilometre cycling journey along the west coast of New Zealand's North Island.
Over three weeks, the black sand coastline offered space to reflect. Along the way, I encountered the work of Taranaki glass artist GaS Studios. The precision and artistry of their glass stayed with me and inspired my first woodworking project: a custom macrocarpa box made to house a piece of their work.
What began with that single box gradually became Awa Woodworks.
Why I make
Woodworking is a way for me to connect with and honour the past while finding focus in the present. Every piece of native timber carries its own history. I hope the things I make from it will be treasured long into the future.
The river-recovered timber I use is supplied by NZ Native Riverwood, whose recovery and milling work makes this material available to me. My part of the story begins with the board on the bench. From there, I try to let the character of the timber guide what it becomes.
My aim is to make thoughtful, enduring pieces that carry meaning beyond their function.
Learn more about the timber and the people who recover it in The Awa.
IN THE WORKSHOP
The process matters as much as the finished piece.
I film my builds from the first cuts to the final finishing. I love the geometry, problem-solving and careful handwork involved, and I want people to see the time and consideration behind each piece.
COMMISSION A PIECE
Have something in mind?
I take on a small number of commissions, working with the character of each piece of timber to create something individual.
Get in touch