In 2014, Niki Nepia (Owner/operator of Puawai Jade) had the opportunity to spend 6 months in China training under highly skilled Jade master carvers. During these months Niki gained a tremendous amount of knowledge and learned a range of new carving techniques, such as bowl and vase forming. The Masters also taught him how to 'read' a piece of jade (pounamu), how to analyze it and incorporate its beauty,  features and flaws into a unique piece of art "taonga". 

Below you can see pieces made by Niki during the cultural exchange to exhibit his learnings and new skill.