Shannon Turuwhenua is a self‑taught wood sculptor based in North Waikato, Aotearoa. Of Māori (Ngāi Tūhoe), Scottish and Irish descent, his work draws deeply from his heritage and his connection to the land.

He works primarily with native and exotic timbers, and where possible uses reclaimed or recycled wood, imbuing each piece with a sense of history and sustainability.  Each sculpture is handcrafted so no two are exactly alike.

As part of the whānau‑based collective Past Present Future Collective, Shannon explores themes of heritage, identity, cultural transmission, and environmental care. Notably his work Maka Te Kupenga won the regional award at the Christchurch Art Show Gold Award in 2025, a recognition of his exploration into inter-generational learning and cultural connection.