Toki Hā

This name draws from the Māori word hā, meaning breath or essence. It symbolises life force, grounded presence, and the deep connection to the natural world that surrounds and sustains us.

This Toki is 75mm long, carved from a striking bright green Pounamu with a beautiful translucency and subtle patterning that glows in natural light. Its form is simple, bold, and refined — a contemporary tribute to the ancient adze tools once used by our tūpuna. The edges flow with gentle curves that feel natural and deliberate in the hand, echoing the forms shaped by time and use in traditional tools.

Bound with a harakeke-coloured lashing, the binding reinforces the natural connection of this piece — a connection to the materials and craft of early Māori, while using modern techniques to ensure strength and durability. The colour of the cord complements the stone and evokes the whenua — the earth and plant life from which Pounamu is born.

The Toki form holds deep significance. Traditionally used as a tool for carving and building, the Toki symbolises strength, determination, and the ability to shape and influence one’s world. It represents leadership, action, and the resilience needed to forge a path ahead.

Toki Hā is a reminder to breathe, to ground yourself, and to honour the essence of who you are and where you come from.

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