Gift of Connection

Gift of Connection

Recently, I had the privilege of carving a very special taonga for a young boy living across the ocean. His grandparents came to visit me, looking for a piece of Pounamu to gift him – something that would carry a deep connection back to his roots in Aotearoa. They chose a pendant carved from the…

Pounamu Cuff Links

Pounamu Cuff Links

I recently had the privilege of carving a special set of taonga for a groom and his groomsmen — five pairs of cuff links, each made from deep green translucent Kawakawa Pounamu. This stone was carefully selected and sliced to create a sense of unity across all the pieces. Each cuff link features a hand-carved…

Scouts Wood Badge Beads Pounamu

Scouts Wood Badge Beads Pounamu

This set of Wood Badge beads was a special commission, carved from Kawakawa Pounamu. Traditionally, Wood Badge beads are made from wood and awarded to Scout leaders who complete advanced leadership training. The tradition traces back to 1919, when Lord Baden-Powell, founder of the Scout Movement, began awarding wooden beads as a symbol of leadership…

Te Whakaata o te Onepū

Te Whakaata o te Onepū

I found this stone myself, a smooth pebble of Serpentine Pounamu washed up on a beach here in Aotearoa. After carrying it home and cutting into it, I discovered rich layers of green and earthy brown inside, framed by a textured orange rind. I carved it into a Kōuma 8cm by 6cm, a traditional breastplate…

Whānau Koru
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Whānau Koru

This set of four taonga, named Whānau Koru, was created to symbolise deep connection, whakapapa, and the strength found in whānau. Each piece carries the same etched koru design and was carved from the same piece of Pounamu to keep them physically and symbolically connected. The name Whānau Koru captures what these taonga stand for…

Hei Toki – Hononga

Hei Toki – Hononga

This 7cm Hei Toki is carved from Hapopo Pounamu, found in the rivers of South Westland. The stone is rich and dark until held to the light, where Totoweka colouring—deep reddish-browns—shines through. I finished this taonga with a black lashing and a four-braid cord, simple and strong. This piece was created as a 21st birthday…