Ngākau Aroha

The Ngākau Aroha set encapsulates the essence of affection and connection that is deeply rooted in the New Zealand Māori culture. From a single piece of kawa kawa Pounamu sourced from the Arahura River, these taonga – a three-centimeter heart and a five-centimeter circle with a double koru – are named to reflect the love (‘Aroha’) that they symbolize. The heart signifies emotional bonds, while the double koru represents growth and harmony, embodying the set’s name, Ngākau Aroha, meaning ‘Hearts of Love’.

The heart-shaped pendant, smooth and symmetrical, is a universal emblem of love and affection. It reflects the warmth and perpetual bond shared with a loved one. The double koru circle is deeply symbolic in Māori culture, representing new life, growth, strength, and peace. The koru’s spiral shape mimics the unfurling fern frond, seen as a metaphor for the unfolding of life’s journey, intertwined with potential and renewal.

Pounamu, also known as greenstone or New Zealand jade, is more than a beautiful gemstone. It is a taonga (treasure) to the Māori people, representing strength, durability, and status. Sourced from the Arahura River, each stone carries with it the mana (prestige) of the land and its people. Pounamu carving is a revered art form, and the stone is believed to hold the spirits of the ancestors, making it an heirloom for generations.

These Pounamu pendants, while carved from the same stone, are on their own paths to becoming part of two different life stories. They remind us of the enduring bonds we share and the individual journeys we embark upon. The forthcoming image of these gifts being worn will not only showcase their beauty but also the special connection between the wearers and the Arahura River where these stones began their own journey.