This taonga set, named Tūhono, symbolises deep connection. The name means to join or link together, reflecting the unbreakable bond between these two pieces, carved from the same slice of dark grey Uri Uri Pakohe. By sharing the same origins, these taonga will always be connected, whether worn by two people or held as a…
This set of four Pikorua was carved from a single slice of Kawakawa Pounamu, creating a deep connection between each taonga and the whānau it was made for. These pendants are for a mother and her three daughters, each one unique but linked by the same source stone, just as they are linked by whakapapa….
This set of three Toki is called Tai Ora, meaning The Living Tides. It symbolises the constant movement of the ocean and the unbreakable connection between a father and his sons, no matter the distance. Each Toki is carved from the same piece of Pounamu, a physical representation of their bond. The waves carved into…
This large set of Kawakawa Pounamu taonga features a 95mm Toki and a 95mm Roimata, both showcasing stunning cloudy patterning within a rich, deep green stone. These taonga were carefully crafted from a large boulder, and their creation journey—from the first cut through to the final carving—has been documented in a video that I’ve included…
Recently, I had the privilege of carving a unique and deeply meaningful set of taonga Pounamu for a father and his three children. This set, which I’ve named Ngā Hononga Whakakaha (Strengthening Bonds), symbolises the unbreakable connection between them, despite the challenges of living in different countries. These taonga represent love, strength, and the effort…
Creating a set of taonga Pounamu is always a meaningful journey, and this set, named Whakamānawa, holds a deep significance. The name, meaning “to honour,” reflects the bond shared by this family of five and the privilege of crafting these pieces from a single slice of Totoweka Pounamu. Totoweka Pounamu gets its striking name, meaning…
Recently, I had the privilege of sharing my workshop with Paul, a father of one of my close friends. Paul had been fossicking for pounamu on the beaches of the West Coast and arrived with an incredible collection of serpentine pounamu in a stunning array of colours and qualities. His excitement was contagious as he…
Some taonga carry not just the beauty of the stone but also the weight of deep familial connections. This set of three taonga, named He Aho Whānau, was created from a single block of Pounamu gifted to my customer by his father, who has since passed. The stone was already precious, filled with memories and…
Creating this set of Pounamu has been a truly special journey, and it feels only fitting to name it Te Ara Kōhatu, which translates to The Journey of the Stone. This name reflects not only the path the Pounamu has taken—from being discovered by the customer to being shaped into these four pieces—but also the…
I recently completed a special commission for a couple, carving a Toki and a four-piece linked bracelet from the same slice of stunning Marsden Flower Jade or Putiputi Pounamu. This set tells a beautiful story of connection, resilience, and shared journeys. The Toki: Strength and Perseverance The Toki features a mountain carved into its face—a…
