Walking into the shed at the back of Charlie Wilson's property you know there is more to him than meets the eye.
Tucked away in drawers and cupboards are some of his most prized possessions - coins dating to King Henry II's reign, early 20th-century New Zealand stamps, Maori artefacts and bottles he has dug up from around the Bay.
However, his greatest possession is his craftsmanship in carving greenstone and whale bone. His pieces have been included in collections, featured in the film The Piano and used to adorn stamps and collectors' coins.
Matata-born Mr Wilson, 70, has been carving since the 1960s when he was a shepherd in Hawke's Bay.
"Initially only on wood, but I taught myself the trade," he said.