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….
The phrase “Tū Kotahi” in Māori means “standing together as one”. It’s the perfect name for the special set of toki I recently had the privilege to carve for a father and son in France. The toki is a traditional Māori taonga (treasure) pendant, shaped like an adze, a woodworking tool important in our culture….
This recent commission project held a special significance for me. It was a request for a pair of pounamu roimata (teardrop) pendants, one for a father and one for his son. The name I chose for this set, Aroha Kotahi, means “love as one” in Maori, perfectly reflecting the connection between them. The roimata design…
Here at Campbell Carving, I believe pounamu is more than just a beautiful stone; it’s a vessel for stories and a powerful symbol of connection. Today, I want to share a particularly heartwarming project – a family pounamu set crafted from a single piece of pounamu from the South Westland region. I called this Whānau…
At Campbell Carving, we’re constantly amazed by the natural wonders that come through our doors. Recently, a customer brought in a pounamu cobble they found on the beach. What appeared to be an unassuming stone held a hidden treasure trove of colour inside! This particular pounamu revealed stunning shades of green, ranging from deep emerald…
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…
Have you ever held a piece of pounamu and felt a connection to the land and history of Aotearoa (New Zealand)? These taonga (treasured possessions) hold stories waiting to be told, and today I’m excited to share two special pieces I carved: a toki and a roimata, both crafted from the same beautiful raukaraka pounamu,…
Deep within the embrace of Aotearoa, where the Douglas Creek flows with the wisdom of the ages, there emerges a Pounamu set that is the very essence of New Zealand’s spirit. Named Ngā Taonga Tuku Iho, meaning ‘Legacy Treasures,’ this set comprises a toki and a roimata pendant, each carved from the same slice of…