I recently completed Toki Whakatipu, an 8cm-long commission carved from deep green Kawakawa Pounamu, as a gift for a couple getting married. This piece is a companion to the Mātau Whakatipu, which I created earlier as a symbol of growth and new beginnings. Together, these taonga form a meaningful set, each complementing the other in…
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,…
I recently completed a special commission for a Toki carved from Kawakawa Pounamu, sourced from the Hokitika area. This piece measures 8cm in length and carries deep cultural significance for its wearer, a man of Samoan heritage who has made New Zealand his home. The design of the Toki was carefully crafted to weave together…
I recently carved a special Toki from a stunning piece of Hapopo Pounamu, gifted to a good friend who embodies the essence of making connections with others. The stone is a bright green with darker swirls, showcasing the natural beauty of Hapopo Pounamu. This Toki is 6cm in length and features two koru carved into…
This is a Toki Whao carved from basalt, or Ōnewa, sourced from Banks Peninsula in Canterbury, South Island of New Zealand. This piece is 5cm long and showcases the dark grey hues of the basalt stone, which contrast beautifully with the tan lashing cord. The Toki Whao represents a traditional Māori chisel, a tool used…
This stunning yellow and white banded agate Toki was a joy to create, and it holds deep significance both for me and the friend who entrusted me with the stone. She discovered this agate in the Hinds River some time ago, sharing her find with me as a gift. I’ve finally crafted something worthy of…
I recently completed a Toki that stands out for its unique material and appearance. This piece is carved from the rind of a Tangiwai boulder. Over time, the rind of this boulder has undergone oxidation, turning it into a striking white, a rare transformation in Pounamu. Scattered throughout the white surface are dark spots of…
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 completed a special Toki carved from Aroha Stone, a type of Pounamu that holds deep meaning and significance. This piece was created for another talented carver who generously gifted me this beautiful stone. As a token of appreciation and a way to return the aroha (love) he showed me, I crafted this Toki,…
