INTERNATIONAL COMMISSIONS
Based outside
New Zealand?
Brett works with clients worldwide. The full commission process — concept, approvals, updates and sign-off — can be done remotely. Professional packing and shipping is arranged for every international order.
Australia
United Kingdom
Germany
Switzerland
UAE
USA and beyond
01
VISION
Brett works closely with you to understand the essence of what you're imagining — and then brings it to life in stone. He's equally comfortable working from your brief, your sketch, or simply starting with a conversation.
02
CRAFT
Every piece is hand-carved — no machines, no shortcuts. The Māori designs Brett incorporates carry specific cultural meaning. His Toi Iho certification means you're commissioning authentic Māori art.
03
REPUTATION
Sculptures placed in homes and public spaces across New Zealand, Dubai, Germany, Switzerland, Greece and beyond.
Read what clients say about Brett →
THE CRAFT
Carved by hand
No machines. No shortcuts. Every sculpture is carved using traditional hand tools — chisels, rasps, and files — the same way stone has been worked for centuries. Brett has been carving since 2005, and every commission follows the same honest path from first conversation to finished piece.
BEFORE THE CHISEL TOUCHES STONE
"Every piece begins with a sketch."
Brett draws before anything else. Each sketch is a conversation between the idea and the material — refined until it feels right.
Nothing moves forward without your sign-off.
HOW IT WORKS
The commission process
From the first conversation to the day it arrives at your door — Brett works with you through every stage. No surprises, no pressure.
HOW PEOPLE START
"People come to me all different ways. Some arrive with a complete sketch. Some have half an idea. Some just know they want something in stone — and that's enough to begin. Some see a piece and want to make it their own."
BRETT KENO · SCULPTOR
01
START THE CONVERSATION
Get in touch by phone or email. Tell Brett about your vision — the occasion, the space it will live in, any Māori design elements that resonate, and any size constraints. No obligation, no rush.
03
WATCH IT TAKE SHAPE
Brett shares photos throughout the carving process. Many clients say watching it take shape day by day becomes one of the most meaningful parts of the experience. Remote clients get the same updates as local ones.
02
DESIGN & QUOTE
Brett develops a design concept with you. You can bring your own design, use one you've seen on the site, or have Brett create something from scratch. A price is agreed based on size and complexity — delivery quoted separately.
04
DELIVERY TO YOUR DOOR
Carefully packed and secured to a pallet. Delivered anywhere in New Zealand or internationally via Mainfreight. Rural and overseas destinations can be quoted individually. Collection from Ōtaki Beach is also welcome.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Everything you need to know
PRICING
There are two main cost elements for a commission:
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The sculpture itself — priced on complexity of design and size
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Delivery to your destination, quoted by Mainfreight based on weight and location
If you need help with installation at the site, there may be an additional cost. Christine can advise.
SIZE & WEIGHT
Ōamaru limestone is substantial — before requesting a large piece, consider:
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Any height restrictions in the intended location
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How the piece will be moved once delivered — the stone is heavy
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Whether the base or surface where it will sit can support the weight
Brett will talk through size practicalities with you as part of the design conversation.
TIMING
Timing varies depending on Brett's current workload and the complexity of your piece. Talk to Brett early if you have a specific date in mind — he usually has a few commissions on the go.
Last-minute requests can sometimes be accommodated, but don't hesitate to ask even if your timeline is tight.
DELIVERY & SHIPPING
Christine uses Mainfreight for all deliveries. The sculpture is professionally packed and strapped to a pallet for safe transit.
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Delivered to your door throughout New Zealand
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International shipping available — see the International page
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Rural or remote destinations may be cheaper to collect from the nearest Mainfreight depot
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On-site installation available in some locations
Christine can get a freight quote — and advise on installation — before you commit. Just ask.
CARE & LONGEVITY
Oamaru limestone is sometimes questioned for durability — it's a softer stone than marble or granite. But consider: many of New Zealand's historic limestone buildings still stand today. The material is proven over centuries.
All sculptures are sealed with a water-repellent finish that enhances the look and extends the life of the stone. It's a simple process — you will be given instructions for resealing every few years. Full details are on the Care of Your Sculpture page.
"I love gaps through which light appears at certain times of the day casting an orange hue."
BRETT KENO · SCULPTOR
"I’ve spent lots of time looking at the sculpture since it was put in place :) It’s made the garden and the house complete. It’s exactly what we were hoping for....the way the light works on it changes every moment."
TONY & TRACEY — NEW ZEALAND
8
Ōamaru limestone lasts. Some of New Zealand's oldest buildings are constructed from it — still standing after 150+ years. Your sculpture is sealed on completion and will age beautifully with minimal care. You will be given full care instructions when your piece is delivered — or explore the care guide now →.