I recently finished a special set of taonga for a whānau of four. They wanted something that marked their journey together and their deep connection to Aotearoa, and we decided to carve a matching set of toki from the same piece of stone. Using one stone for all four pieces meant the taonga would always…
Tātau Whānau means “our family” or “all of us as a family.” I chose this name because these taonga come from a single slice of Pounamu that has travelled through generations of their Ngāi Tahu whānau. The name makes the meaning explicit: this stone has always belonged to the collective. By becoming a roimata and…
Niho Tūhono means “the tooth that connects”. Tūhono is about linking, joining, and creating connection, which is the heart of this taonga. This name speaks to the bond shared between the couple, and to the way this piece continues the Niho pattern from her tattoo, linking her story with her partner’s. I carved this 5cm…
I have named this taonga Manu Huia, a reference to the treasured huia whose feathers were symbols of status, respect, and deep reverence. A huia feather represents dignity, leadership, and the carrying of whakapapa. It is a reminder of those we honour, the stories we hold, and the responsibility we carry as we move forward….
Kārearea Aroaro speaks to presence, steadiness, and the calm strength a person carries without needing to show it. The name reflects someone who stands firm through the seasons of life, grounded in who they are, aware of those who came before them, and ready to guide those who will follow. It acknowledges a new chapter…
Te Kaieke means the rider, the one who moves forward with purpose and holds fast through challenge. I chose this name because the niho shape symbolises strength, determination, and guidance. It is often connected with the idea of a protector or guardian, something that carries a person through the hard moments in life. This taonga…
Te Rere o te Peka speaks to movement, balance, and the way we adjust our path when guided by instinct and awareness. The name reflects the nature of the pekapeka form itself, shaped by dual perspectives and the quiet strength that comes from being able to see the world from more than one direction. This…
This Roimata was carved to complete a set. The owner already had a pair of earrings carved in the same design, each with a koru cut from the sides and three notches at the base. Those notches represent the past, present, and future — the journey of life and the growth that continues through it….
Te Ika Aroha, meaning The Fish of Love, carries a name that reflects care, guardianship, and deep connection. This Manaia was carved from a very special piece of Pounamu brought to me by its owner. It already held great personal significance, and my task was to shape it into something that honoured that connection while…
At the Inside Pounamu wānanga at Otago University, I had the chance to take part in a scientific and cultural exploration of how heat affects pounamu. I began with a single slab of South Westland pounamu and cut it in half. One half was left in its natural state, while the other was carefully heat-treated….
