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…
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…
Whakapiringa means to be bound together. This name was chosen to reflect the kaupapa of this whānau set: four individuals, each with their own form and role, all connected through whakapapa, shared stone, and a common story. Every piece in this set was carved from the same block of deep green Kawakawa Pounamu sourced from…
Matau Tiaki translates to the protective hook. The Hei Matau carries the mana of Tangaroa, symbolising strength, safe passage across water, and prosperity. For this young man, it represents guardianship, resilience, and the courage to face life’s challenges. The name highlights the hook as a kaitiaki — a protector who journeys alongside him. Carved from…
This taonga is called Hei Matau Arotahi. Arotahi means focus, and this piece was created as a guiding reminder for a young man to keep his focus on the path ahead — a path of respect, manaakitanga, rangatiratanga, and calm strength. The Hei Matau symbolises journey, provision, and safe passage, and in this taonga it…
This taonga was carved as a wedding gift from a wahine to her tāne, a symbol of deep love, commitment, and the journey they are about to walk together. I’ve named it Te Koru Tuarua – “The Second Koru” – to represent not only the twin koru forms in the design but also the second…
This Hei Matau is a Pounamu taonga carved from stunning serpentine Pounamu sourced from the West Coast near Hokitika. At 35mm high, it has a solid, sculptural presence, with enough thickness to carve both sides with flowing curves, free of flat spots. The design reflects the natural movement of the stone, creating a smooth, tactile…
This 35mm Hei Matau is crafted from stunning gem-grade Kahurangi Pounamu, one of the most sought-after varieties of New Zealand greenstone. Its bright green hues and extraordinary translucency make this piece truly breathtaking. The way light passes through the stone gives it a radiant glow, bringing the taonga to life. At the heart of the…
This recently completed piece is called Marino, meaning “Calm Waters.” It measures 35mm and is carved from highly translucent gem-grade kahurangi pounamu. The customer, for whom I had previously created a larger taonga, reached out again after experiencing discomfort due to ongoing medical challenges. He requested a smaller, more comfortable design that he could wear…
This piece, now named Mātau Whakatipu, carries a deeply personal meaning for both the giver and the recipient. The name, chosen with great care, reflects growth and new beginnings, which are not only symbolised by the koru design but also deeply rooted in the story behind this taonga. The original Hei Matau, lost after being…
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