This set of three taonga is among the most personal and moving pieces I’ve had the honour to create. Commissioned by a man who is facing the reality of terminal illness, these taonga were carved for the people he holds closest: his wife and two sons. Each piece comes from the same piece of Pounamu,…
This piece is called Te Haerenga, meaning “The Journey.” I carved it as a wedding anniversary gift for a man to give to his wife. The design is centred on a single flowing koru that spirals outward, symbolising their journey together as a couple—from when they first met, through the life they’ve built, and into…
This commissioned set of Pounamu taonga was carved for a special occasion—the wedding of a woman with whakapapa to Te Āti Awa, marrying her Australian partner. The set was commissioned by her brother as a gift to honour their journey, their connection, and the family they have built. The name Whiria te Taura, meaning “Weave…
This piece began as a simple tumbled pendant, but when I saw the translucent bright green Tangiwai Pounamu, I knew it needed something more. The colour, the glow—it deserved a design that matched the beauty of the stone itself. The solution came in the form of a koru, carefully carved into the side of the…
This Pounamu taonga is a stunning blend of craftsmanship and natural beauty. Standing at 50mm tall, it is carved from a piece of Inanga Pounamu—a stone known for its soft, pale green tones that evoke serenity and connection. When held to the light, this piece reveals a gorgeous olive-green glow, a subtle reminder of the…
This piece was created with a deep appreciation for the connections and stories that taonga carry through generations. Standing at 55mm tall, it features an intricate design of flowing koru, fully carved on both sides, symbolising growth, unity, and the intertwining paths of life. Carved from beautiful inanga Pounamu, the stone reveals classic pale green…
This stunning statement piece is an 85mm-long Toki carved from deep green Kawakawa Pounamu sourced from the Hokitika area. Known for its rich, deep colouring, Kawakawa Pounamu has always carried a sense of strength and beauty, making it the perfect pounamu for this taonga. The Toki was commissioned as a heartfelt gift from a wahine…
I recently carved a special Toki from a stunning piece of Hapopo Pounamu, gifted to a good friend who embodies the essence of making connections with others. The stone is a bright green with darker swirls, showcasing the natural beauty of Hapopo Pounamu. This Toki is 6cm in length and features two koru carved into…
This piece is named Kōuma Whānau, a fitting name for such a deeply significant taonga. The Kōuma (anchor) traditionally symbolises stability, grounding, and strength, much like an anchor keeps a waka steady through changing tides. In this case, it represents the foundation of the family, its roots planted firmly in the past but holding strong…
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…
