Shannon Mahuika is a Ngāti Māhaki carver based at Mahitahi (Bruce Bay) in South Westland. The son of renowned carver and kaitiaki pounamu Jeff Mahuika, Shannon grew up around pounamu and exploring the local awa with his whānau. In 2009, he was among the first students to study at Te Takapō o Rotowhio, the bone, stone and jade carving school in Rotorua, where he trained under master carver Lewis Gardiner.

Working from his studio on Te Tai Poutini, Shannon is particularly recognised for his work with Aotea stone and has been described as New Zealand’s only specialist Aotea carver. His practice reflects his close relationship with the whenua and waterways of South Westland, shaping locally sourced stone into distinctive taonga while sharing the stories and significance carried within it.