Matty grew up in Gisborne and started whakairo at Gisborne Boys High School.
Having been introduced to whakairo at kura, Matty then moved to Rotorua to study whakairo at the New Zealand Māori arts and Crafts institute carving Pounamu and bone.
After 2 years of Studying at Te Puia under the guidance of Tutor Stacy Gordine, Matty has then continued his carving skills here at Puawai Jade.
 
Pepeha
 
Ko Puke Tapu te maunga
Ko Te Arai te awa
Ngati Maru te hapū
Rongowhakaata te iwi
Ko Mathew Thornton ahau.