I have named this taonga Rau Whakaora, meaning “leaf of healing” or “healing leaf”. The name reflects the long connection between kawakawa and rongoā Māori, where the plant has been valued for healing, protection and restoring wellbeing. This taonga brings together both the kawakawa leaf and kawakawa Pounamu. The stone is a gorgeous deep green,…
Te Awhi means “The Embrace”. I chose this name for the way the long curve turns back towards the top of the hei matau, creating a sense of connection, protection and closeness. Its simple, graceful form gives this taonga a distinctly feminine character, representing strength expressed through care, support and resilience. I carved Te Awhi…
He Kete Mātauranga means “A Basket of Knowledge”, a name chosen to recognise the knowledge, wisdom and experience that this coach has brought to the New Zealand senior men’s canoe polo team. This hei toki was commissioned by the Paddle Blacks as a gift for their French coach, acknowledging everything he has contributed to the…
Te Kaha o te Toki means “The Strength of the Adze”, a name that reflects both the traditional meaning of the toki and the sheer presence of this taonga. At 13 cm long, 5.5 cm wide and more than 2 cm thick, this is a substantial toki, with a weight and scale that give its…
Te Aho Tuku Iho means “The Continuing Line”. I chose this name for this pair of niho because they represent the connection between a father and his son, and the whakapapa, strength and values that continue from one generation to the next. Carved from the same piece of Pounamu, they are two individual taonga with…
Kotahi te Pūtake means “One Source”, a name that reflects the kaupapa behind this set of five hei toki. Each taonga is individual, but all five come from the same piece of Pounamu and carry the same marks representing three generations of one whānau. This set was commissioned by a mother for herself, her husband…
Some taonga are created for an individual. Others are created to celebrate the people who walk through life together. This set was commissioned for a family of four, with each member receiving a taonga that reflected both who they are individually and the bond they share as a whānau. I named the collection Te Ara…
Ngā Ngaru o te Aroha (The Waves of Love) is a collection of four pounamu taonga that I carved for one family, celebrating an engagement while honouring the connections that bind generations together. The commission came from a father in Australia, who wanted to create something meaningful for the engagement of his son Jamie and…
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