Tātau Whānau means “our family” or “all of us as a family.” I chose this name because these taonga come from a single slice of Pounamu that has travelled through generations of their Ngāi Tahu whānau. The name makes the meaning explicit: this stone has always belonged to the collective. By becoming a roimata and…
This Roimata was carved to complete a set. The owner already had a pair of earrings carved in the same design, each with a koru cut from the sides and three notches at the base. Those notches represent the past, present, and future — the journey of life and the growth that continues through it….
This taonga is a 5cm pendant carved with soft flowing curves, rounded at the base and finished with a strong black lashing at the top. Its main feature is a small flower motif, inspired by Tongan design. The flower sits proudly on the stone, a reminder of the beauty and strength found in both nature…
This beautiful set of five taonga, named Ngā Manawa Kotahi (The United Hearts), was carved from a single piece of beach serpentine Pounamu that the whānau found themselves while travelling Te Waipounamu. It was important to them that the stone come from this whenua—a place they feel rooted in, even while living far across the…
This was a special set of taonga, created for a collector who wanted a sample of several different stone types from Aotearoa. Each taonga is carved from a different kind of stone, representing the incredible variety and richness of our whenua. The collector wanted to showcase not just the beauty, but also the diversity of…
This set of Pounamu, named Tūhonoa (To Be Bound Together), was carved for a couple who wanted something to embody the strength of their connection. The name draws from “tūhono” meaning to join or connect, and “-a” to give it a passive and enduring quality – something that is bound, joined, united. It speaks to…
This set of taonga was carved for a couple who are engaged and soon to be married. It was commissioned by their parents as a way to mark the significance of this moment in their lives – a gesture of aroha, blessing, and connection. I have named the set Puna Aroha – The Spring of…
This Roimata is carved from Aotea, a rare and beautiful stone found only in a single river valley in South Westland. At 55mm long, it has a strong and simple shape – a tapered drop that draws the eye downward, grounding the wearer. Roimata traditionally symbolises healing, release, and the flow of emotion – like…
This taonga began its life as a glassy Tangiwai pebble from the remote and rugged coastline of Anita Bay, deep in Fiordland. This is the only place in the world where this unique variety of Tangiwai – with its rare glass-like clarity – is found. I didn’t shape this piece. I didn’t need to. Its…
Earlier this year, a mother commissioned a Roimata for her daughter—Te Puna Aroha, a pendant made to carry her love. You can read about that taonga here: https://campbellcarving.co.nz/aroha-roimata-te-puna-aroha/ Now, her daughter has commissioned a Roimata to give back to her mum—something to carry all the love and support flowing in the other direction. I’ve called…
