In 2005, Dallas Matoe became the 98th student to graduate from the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and now resides in Christchurch (N.Z) where he works as a freelance carver under the business name Karu Tahi Carvings, creating unique hand carved works from New Zealand native timbers.

Primarily carvings are made from recycled Totara (Podocarpus totara) and Kauri (Agathis australis), timbers long recognised by the Maori as having excellent carving properties. For the making of Taonga Puuoro (musical instruments) and traditional weapons, other New Zealand native timbers are used including Matai, Rimu, Rata, Manuka and Maire.

Dallas works in traditional styles with the ornate surface patterning which the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute is reknown for perpetuating. The ancient symbols hidden in the surface patterning reflecting New Zealands natural environments, and identify the ancestors represented in wood. The curvilinear designs add an illusion of movement.

Typically Dallas makes Teko (free-standing statues), Pou pou (ancestral wall panels), traditional weapons, Taonga Puuoro (musical instruments), Papahou and Wakahuia (feather boxes) and other Waka mauri (containers). All Karu Tahi Carvings are fully sealed and finished with modern finishing products (oils, stains, polyurethanes e.t.c.).

Dallas produces work for sale through selected outlets and galleries in New Zealand, and is a registered licensee of the Toi Iho Maori Made Mark of authenticity and quality.

He also enjoys doing commission work, as it allows him
to work directly with his customers carving their
genealogies and personal stories
directly into the wood.

Dallas is also
available for
restoration work.