Jakson Stancich

A freediver, photographer, and wood artist, Jak has spent a lifetime exploring New Zealand’s waters. Growing up on the west coast at Muriwai Beach, he developed a deep connection with the ocean, spending holidays snorkeling in the Far North. After working in carpentry and set-building for film, his passion for freediving and underwater photography took hold. Over the years, his focus shifted from fishing to spearfishing, allowing him to observe the intricate underwater world up close. With a diploma in marine science, his understanding of the ocean informs his art—from stunning underwater photography to handcrafted wooden sculptures shaped by the tides. Now, he lives in a food forest with his wife and daughters, creating art, working the land, and playing in the ocean. Each piece he creates is a tribute to the mysteries of the ocean, designed to inspire awe and deepen our connection to the sea.