In carving this unique whānau set, I was inspired to create something truly meaningful that reflects the strength and unity of the family it represents. This set, named ‘Te Whare Kaha’ (The Strong House), embodies the foundation upon which this family stands—strong, interconnected, and enduring. When joined together, these pieces form the shape of a…
I is a special commission where I had the honour of working with a block of Pounamu passed down through a family for generations. The client felt it was time to transform this cherished stone into something their whānau could wear and treasure. From this pale green Inanga Pounamu, with its stunning black mineral inclusions,…
These two Toki were carved specifically to be presented to prize winners at a Early Childhood Council conference. Each Toki embodies the spirit of strength, wisdom, and leadership. The categories or the winners are Outstanding Achievement and Contribution to the ECC sector. In Māori culture, the Toki symbolises power, authority, and honour. Traditionally, it was…
This set, named Wairua Taonga, is crafted from the whitest Pounamu I could find, the rind of a Bowenite Tangiwai Pounamu. Working with this material was a unique challenge because the edge can be weaker, and I had to search diligently to find a solid section suitable for carving. The name Wairua Taonga means “Spiritual…
I recently had the honour of carving a unique set of Pounamu pendants, made from translucent Hapopo Pounamu sourced from South Westland. I have named this set Kotahi Wairua, which means “One Spirit” in Māori. This name was chosen to reflect the deep and unbreakable bond that the twins share, emphasizing that despite being two…
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…
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…
I’m excited to share the completion of a very special project: a set of Pounamu carvings for a cherished family. This journey began a few years ago with a Toki for the husband and son. Recently, I had the honor of completing the set with these Roimata for the wife and daughter, using the same…
This is a very special set, made during the unexpected and tragic passing of a great man, son, father, and partner. We are forever connected to those close to us that pass; they are always with us. Having pounamu taonga is a way to have a tangible piece of that connection with us moving forward….