He Aroha Tonutanga
This is a very special set. When I heard this story and what they wanted my heart went out to them. The father has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. This set is primarily for them as a tangible representation of his love and enduring presence after he is gone. Named He Aroha Tonutanga, which means a love that lasts forever, as a reminder that each of them are forever connected, they are loved, and they are a part of something bigger than themselves. Taonga Pounamu are significant in Maori culture not only for their practical heritage and beauty, but also for the ability to tell our stories.
The pounamu selected for this taonga set comes from the revered Arahura River, celebrated for its exquisite pounamu. This set features a specific variety of kawakawa – the rarer totoweka, named for the blood of the weka. These taonga showcase the deep, almost emerald green of kawakawa as their base, punctuated by the striking swirls and streaks of rich, reddy-brown that are totoweka’s signature. This unique aesthetic comes alive when the pendants are held to the light, showcasing the stunning interplay of colour.
Each sibling has their own individual taonga for everyday, as well as a large toki to be kept safe and used on special occasions. These toki are all similar, with a 5-fronded koru on the front. The outer, larger korus represent their mother and father, and the siblings are the smaller korus sheltered within. Each has their own koru emphasised on their own toki as a sign of individuality. The kohine/daughter on the left side facing the same way as her mother, and ngā tama/sons on the right under that father with the oldest above and the younger below.
The koru of the father and each other whanau member are replicated on each of their individual taonga also. These are to represent his presence in their lives as they establish a new normal without him. It is to show his ongoing support as he leaves them during their journey and serve as a reminder to continue to push and extend themselves to become the best version of themselves. It is a symbol of tranquillity, spirituality, regrowth and new beginnings. These koru are to connect them with his guidance, his wisdom, and reminder that he is always ready to listen.
The circle and koru were chosen specifically for the daughter. The circle is a symbol of the journey of life. It represents discovery, choices, and centres her in the present while acknowledging the past and future.
The koru is a shape that is also cyclical in nature, and represents many aspects including health, relationship, gardening, seasons, growth, energy, and wilderness.
This Manaia is carved specially for the eldest boy and the way he sees the world. Manaia is a spiritual taonga. Manaia has one foot in our world and one in the spiritual world, this is why it is depicted side on. It is a spiritual being and protects the wearer from those things we cannot see.
The niho was chosen for the younger boy as it represents how he goes about life so well. It represents leadership, resilience, strength, as well as peace and tranquillity. The niho is a strong shape that is connected with the powerful beings of the moana/ocean, the whale and the shark.
The pikorua for the mother and wife was chosen very purposefully. For the joining of two people for eternity. Even though death will separate them prematurely they will always be connected and be one. Their strength of aroha will last forever. This pikorua symbolises the unbreakable link between these two soul mates, it brings them closer together even when they are apart.
The koru on the front is to signify the new growth and journey that she will embark on, it recognises the strength and empathy required to walk that path. The two koru on the back are her reminder of her husband’s everlasting presence in her life, his guidance, support, and eternal aroha.
Her roimata earrings speak of feelings and memories, they are a symbol of healing, comfort, and strength. Roimata are an empathetic form connected with grieving as well as the healing and recovery that comes with it. One echoes the pikorua symbol etched on it and the other the dual koru representing wife and husband.
The whole process of this whanau set was an honour to be a part of. The designs took several meetings to get all the elements included in the right way. There was much thought and korero put into what this set represented and what it should look like. We kept in touch throughout the carving process as things evolved and choices were made. We had to get it right.
The carving took a lot of time but it never felt like a chore. I was always eager to see the next phase. Even the many focused hours spent sanding and smoothing each piece was special. The final carving stage of the whanau koru on each pendant was surreal, it was the final act that connected the whole set together and I truly felt the mauri/life force of these taonga.
These taonga, born from the heart of the Arahura, will forever carry the aroha of a father who loved beyond measure. In their curves, their colours, and their enduring strength, his children and his beloved wife will find his unyielding spirit. They are a testament to their bond that transcends physical presence, a love that echoes through time.
And, as the whakatauki teaches us, “Ahakoa he iti, he pounamu” – “Although small, it is precious.”
May the love embodied in these taonga bring this whanau solace, strength, and an everlasting connection to the man whose Aroha Tonutanga will always be with them.
