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 gift for a young man now living in Australia. The kaupapa is hononga—connection. The Pounamu was chosen from the bottom of the South Island to reflect his whānau roots, a reminder of where he comes from and the land that connects him to home.

The Hei Toki shape carries deep meaning. Traditionally, the toki was a tool used for carving and building—something made to do the hard mahi. Worn as a pendant, it symbolises strength, determination, and leadership. When gifted, it carries the hope that the wearer will face challenges with focus and courage, and use their gifts to build and shape their world.

This Toki is not just a pendant. It’s a connection to whānau, whenua, and identity