Prumnopitys taxifolia, Mataī or Black Pine, is an endemic New Zealand coniferous tree that grows through out New Zealand. It grows up to 40 m high, with a trunk up to 2 m diameter. Mataī is not threatened, although as a forest-type it has been greatly reduced through widespread logging. Very few intact examples of mataī-dominated forest remain.

Early European found Mataī unsuited to housing due to a lack durability as was Kauri. However, both soon gained status as a superb above ground timber with excellent machining qualities. It was used extensively as heavy duty flooring and wooden door and window joinery and well regarded with its straight and even grain.

Maori used the wood of matai for carving in areas where Totara was not prevalent. It was commonly used were for canoes, canoe bailers, small agricultural implements and handles. The Maori also drank the liquid (matai beer) obtained from the cracks in heart matai to treat consumption and as an antiseptic.

The timber we are currently using has been removed from the ceiling of a turn of the century villa in Dunedin during a recent renovation.