I recently had the pleasure of carving a special set of Pounamu pendants for a mother and her first daughter. These pieces, made from the gorgeous and translucent Inanga Pounamu sourced from the Arahura River, are a testament to the strength and unity of their family. This set is named Kotahitanga Koru, meaning “Unity Spiral,”…
I recently completed a special commission using Kawakawa Pounamu from the Arahura River. This set, which I have named Ngā Hononga, meaning “The Connections,” includes a Hei Matau and a Roimata, both carved from the same deep green, very translucent piece of Pounamu. The name Ngā Hononga was chosen to emphasize the profound bond between…
My latest creation, a 5cm high Toki carved from bright green Kahurangi Pounamu, named Kahurangi Te Ao Mārama. This piece is a true testament to the beauty and elegance of Pounamu, with its remarkable translucence that captures and reflects light in a mesmerizing way. The name “Kahurangi Te Ao Mārama” translates to “Greenstone of the…
I had the privilege of carving a special set of Pounamu, named Tatau Pounamu, commissioned by a father for himself and his children. “Tatau Pounamu” translates to “The Unbroken Bond,” symbolising the unbreakable connection between the father and his children, who live with their mother. Despite the distance, these pendants serve as a reminder of…
My latest creation, the Whānau Tahi Toki (United Family Toki), is made from the unique and stunning Douglas Creek Pounamu. This piece, commissioned as a wedding gift, symbolizes the unity of two families coming together in love and harmony. Designed to be displayed as a sculpture, its intricate details and profound meaning make it a…
The koru is a powerful symbol in Maori culture, representing growth, new beginnings, and the unfurling fern frond. It’s a fitting image for a taonga pounamu (treasured greenstone) carving, a piece imbued with deep meaning and cultural significance. This piece is called ‘Koru Whanau’. This particular koru whanau carving, crafted from Marsden Kawakawa pounamu, is…
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…
“Te Hononga Manawa”, our Heart Connection Set, where these Kawakawa Pounamu Toki carved tells a story of unity that binds the hearts of whānau. This unique set, embodying a parent and child’s lifelong bond, is a testament to the enduring ties that Pounamu can represent. Crafted from the same stone, these Toki pendants are a…
The art of Pounamu carving is a tradition steeped in the cultural heritage of Aotearoa (New Zealand), a practice that transforms raw greenstone into meaningful taonga (treasures). One such creation is the “Mana Taonga,” a toki (adze) that is more than a mere ornament; it is a symbol of strength, courage, and authority. The Mana…
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…