I’ve recently completed a special set of six Pounamu carvings to go alongside a children’s book authored and published by my wife, titled I Gaze Up at the Trees with Dirt on My Knees. The book is a beautifully written story that takes tamariki on a journey through the forests and rivers of Aotearoa, meeting…
I have named this Roimata Te Haeata, which means The Dawn Light. It reflects the moment when darkness gives way to light — a time of transformation, clarity, and new beginnings. This name speaks to the journey held within this taonga, carved from Kahurangi Pounamu with stunning cloud patterns that bring the story to life….
This is an incredible 60mm Roimata carved from bright green Kahurangi Pounamu. The colour is so clear and translucent that when held to the light, you can see right into its soul. I left a small strip of the whiter, opaque skin on one edge to create contrast and highlight the beauty of the stone….
This 9cm Roimata, carved from deep green Kawakawa Pounamu, represents healing, strength, and connection. The Roimata, or teardrop, is a form that carries deep meaning—symbolising the flow of emotions, remembrance, and resilience. It is often gifted as a token of support, acknowledging life’s challenges and the wisdom gained through experience. This piece holds extra significance…
Some taonga hold a story so deeply woven with love and resilience that they become more than a pendant—they become a source of strength, a reflection of a journey, and a connection to those who walk alongside us. This piece, Te Puna Aroha (The Well of Love), was carved from a beautiful piece of Aroha…
Some boulders just call to me. I found this one on the beach and had a feeling it might hold something special inside. Each cut was a surprise—what looked like an ordinary rock on the outside revealed incredible colours within. Then, when I held it up to the light, it truly came alive. This is…
Rau means leaf, a symbol of growth, renewal, and connection to nature. Just as leaves change with the seasons, this taonga represents learning and transformation—both in the stone itself and in the process of carving it together. The natural shape, swirling patterns, and delicate translucency make it feel alive, as if holding a moment of…
This taonga is more than just a carving—it marks a moment in time, a step in my son’s journey as a carver. He chose the Pounamu, shaped the form, and put in the hard work sanding and polishing. My role was simply to guide when needed, offering advice and support as he brought his vision…
This Roimata, carved from Kawakawa Pounamu, carries a story of resilience and personal growth. The stone’s intricate cloudy patterning flows through the deep green hues, creating a piece that reflects the beauty of transformation. Each detail in the stone tells a story—of movement, change, and the shaping forces of time. In Māori tradition, the Roimata…
This taonga is a 60mm Roimata carved from Aroha Stone, a unique and captivating material rich with symbolism. Aroha, meaning “love” in te reo Māori, resonates deeply with the purpose and significance of this piece. The stone itself features stunning hues of deep purples, soft whites, and subtle pinks, creating a visual representation of emotional…
