Here are a collection of my favorite stories in no particular order. These are the stories of pounamu that has a purpose beyond what we can see and feel. For me these are stunning examples of why I carve. To make these stories, kaupapa, meaning, and messages tangible so that people can express these things that are important to them.
Kaha Wahine
I want to share a pounamu pendant that holds a story close to my heart. It’s a piece I call “Kaha Wahine,” which translates to “Strong Woman” in Te Reo Māori. The name wasn’t chosen lightly. This pounamu was commissioned by a remarkable woman who has battled and emerged stronger from breast cancer. The pounamu…
Aroha Roimata
Symbolic gestures have a unique way of adding profound depth to significant milestones. Aroha Roimata, a meticulously crafted pounamu pendant, serves as an eloquent illustration of this idea. This striking piece, a large roimata fashioned from Kawakawa pounamu from the Arahura River, tells a deeply personal story. As she stands at the threshold of her…
Niho Kotahitanga
Horoeka Haemata – Rolleston College has its first cohort of learners graduating this year. I have the privilege of making a set of pounamu for the 5 Head Students that make up the student leadership team from this year. The Niho is a symbol that links strongly with shark and/or whale teeth. It represents leadership,…
Pikorua Toki Set
This was a cool challenge, and came up great. The idea was to create a set for a man and his wife that were interconnected. He really wanted two pieces with toki and pikorua as the symbols. Having the pikorua symbol flow between them as well as having the pieces made from the same pounamu…
Whanau
To me this set is everything that whanau should be. It is connection. It is values. It is tangible representation of the loving bond that a cohesive whanau has. This is a set full of meaning and depth. It was commissioned by the Mum who has recently received a terminal cancer diagnosis! Devastating! She wanted…
Kaitiaki o Whanau
This is a set that I was honored to be asked to make, to be able to contribute to this whanau journey in a small way means a lot to me. This is a set for a Mother and her two young boys. The way she put it got straight to the core of why…
Roimata Whakamahu
This piece is a pendant that symbolises a journey of growth and healing. It is a beautiful thing to hear that someone is proud to be who they are and that they are caring for themselves as the owner of this will be. This is a gorgeous bright green pounamu with chatoyant fibres in it…
Mana Whanau Tahi
This is a special set commissioned for a son on his 21st originally as just a toki. Mana is power, Whanau is family, and Tahi is one or unity in this case. The name of the set means powerful and strong family connection. The original idea was a toki for the son something to bless…
Mana Haerenga
Life is a journey and this is what this pounamu is to represent. There is growth and progress on our journey, milestones and achievements we accomplish. The carving on this roimata represents a journey. The koru for growth and achievement. In this case the milestone of becoming a registered kaiako. The winding path below it…
Te Waenga – The Spaces Between
This set was a privilege to work on and create. The design and significance that went into this piece was deep and meaningful. I called this set Te Waenga as it fully represents the deep significance of the space between people and a strong yet invisible connection can be nurtured here. This set represents this…
Whanaunui
A big and beautiful set for a big and beautiful kaupapa. A set of pounamu all cut from the same raw source is a significant way to represent and deepen a connection with people. This pounamu was created deep under the earth under tremendous heat and pressure. Since it cooled these pieces have laid side…
Kaha – Pounamu Pendant
It was an honor and privilege to create this taonga. When I was first contacted about making this, the kaupapa behind was very moving and it is exactly what pounamu is about for me. This is a gift for a young woman. She tragically lost her 12 year old sister a few years ago to…
Kete ō Taonga
There was so much depth and mana to this piece before I even got involved, it was a real privilege to be the one to influence and carve this design. Kath was given this piece of pounamu by friends of hers as a symbol of her connection to Aotearoa, so already this piece held significance…
Family – Whanaungatanga Koru
This was a special commission from a family friend. It is made for a couple that are celebrating a significant milestone in their lives. The pounamu is sourced from the Kaniere area near Hokitika. The Koru is a special symbol that was chosen to represent the members of this family. I am always blown…
Whai – Stingray
Whai is the Maori word for Stingray. In certain areas of Aoteroa New Zealand the Whai is believed to be Kaitiaki – Protector. They are often seen gliding effortlessly through the water at the beach, yet when they are startled or threatened their response can be quick, powerful, and deadly. This has been…