Discover beautiful rimu woodware and native timber gifts – handcrafted New Zealand pieces celebrating Aotearoa’s remarkable trees.
New Zealand rimu woodware represents the finest in Kiwi craftsmanship. From elegant chopping boards and jewellery boxes to decorative wall art and homeware, NZ artisans transform our precious native timbers into stunning, functional pieces that celebrate Aotearoa’s unique natural heritage.
About New Zealand Rimu
Rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum) is one of New Zealand’s most prized native timbers. This slow-growing conifer can live for over 1,000 years and produces wood renowned for its beautiful grain patterns, rich reddish-brown colour, and excellent workability.
Rimu Characteristics
- Colour: Rich reddish-brown with golden highlights
- Grain: Distinctive patterns, each piece unique
- Durability: Naturally resistant to decay
- Workability: Takes fine detail and polishes beautifully
- Sustainability: Sourced from salvaged or sustainably managed forests
Due to conservation efforts, all rimu used in modern woodware comes from sustainable sources – either salvaged timber, windfall trees, or sustainably managed plantation forests.
Types of NZ Rimu Woodware
Chopping Boards & Kitchenware
Rimu chopping boards are prized in Kiwi kitchens. The timber’s natural antimicrobial properties, combined with its beautiful grain, make these boards both practical and decorative. Many feature laser-cut NZ designs or native bird motifs.
Jewellery & Trinket Boxes
Handcrafted rimu jewellery boxes make treasured gifts. Artists like Ian Blackwell create exquisite boxes using precision laser-cutting combined with hand finishing, each showcasing rimu’s distinctive grain.
Wall Art & Decorative Pieces
From carved native bird silhouettes to intricate Maori-inspired designs, rimu wall art brings warmth and NZ character to any home. The natural variation in grain means every piece is truly one-of-a-kind.
Serving Platters & Boards
Perfect for entertaining, rimu serving boards and platters showcase food beautifully while adding a distinctly Kiwi touch to any table setting.
Desk Accessories
Business card holders, pen stands, and organisers crafted from rimu bring natural elegance to office spaces – ideal for corporate gifts celebrating New Zealand.
NZ Woodware Artists & Makers
Ian Blackwell
Ian Blackwell is one of New Zealand’s most recognised rimu woodware artists. Working from his West Auckland studio, he creates precision laser-cut pieces finished by hand with organic citrus-based oils. His range includes jewellery boxes, wall art, and kitchen accessories.
Traditional Craftspeople
Throughout New Zealand, skilled woodturners and carvers continue traditional crafts, creating bowls, platters, and decorative pieces from native timbers. Many can be found at craft markets and galleries nationwide.
Contemporary Designers
Modern NZ designers blend traditional materials with contemporary aesthetics, creating minimalist homewares and functional art pieces that appeal to design-conscious buyers.
Other Native NZ Timbers
Native Timber Guide
- Kauri: Golden honey colour, prized for furniture and carving
- Totara: Reddish-brown, traditionally used for Maori carving
- Matai: Dark brown with attractive figure, excellent for fine work
- Kahikatea: Pale cream, traditionally used for food containers
- Puriri: Dark hardwood, extremely durable
Each native timber has unique characteristics, making NZ wooden gifts truly special. All native timber products should be sourced from verified sustainable suppliers.
Caring for NZ Woodware
General Care
Wipe with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight which can fade the timber over time.
Kitchen Items
Hand wash chopping boards and platters – never put in dishwasher. Dry immediately after washing. Apply food-safe wood oil occasionally to maintain the finish and prevent drying.
Re-Oiling
For items seeing regular use, annual re-oiling with food-safe mineral oil or beeswax keeps timber protected and beautiful. Simply apply a thin coat, let absorb, then buff with a soft cloth.
Storage
Store wooden items away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Maintain moderate humidity – very dry conditions can cause cracking.
Rimu Woodware as Gifts
Rimu woodware makes exceptional gifts that recipients treasure for years. The combination of NZ heritage, artisan craftsmanship, and natural beauty creates presents with genuine meaning.
Gift Ideas by Occasion
- Weddings: Chopping boards, serving platters, decorative bowls
- Housewarmings: Wall art, coasters, kitchen accessories
- Corporate: Business card holders, desk accessories
- Birthdays: Jewellery boxes, trinket trays
- Overseas Friends: Compact items like coasters or small boxes ship easily
Where to Buy NZ Woodware
Artist Studios
Many woodware artists sell directly from their studios or websites, offering the full range and often custom commissions.
NZ Gift Stores
Quality NZ gift stores stock curated selections of rimu woodware alongside other artisan products.
Galleries & Museums
Te Papa and regional museum shops often carry high-quality NZ woodware. Art galleries featuring NZ craft also stock wooden pieces.
Markets
Weekend craft markets throughout New Zealand showcase local woodworkers, offering the chance to meet makers and see demonstrations.