I have named this Toki Tūturu, a word that speaks to something real, authentic, and lasting. This name reflects what the Toki was and still is — a working tool made to shape the world, built with purpose and strength. The name reminds us of the ingenuity and resilience of our ancestors, and the tools…
Carving Pounamu is always a meaningful process, but sometimes a piece carries even more depth, reflecting not just personal meaning but also cultural connections. This Toki is one of those pieces—a taonga that brings together the strength of Māori and Samoan traditions in a single form. This Toki is carved from Kawakawa Pounamu, a deep…
This Toki is carved from Ōnewa, a dense and weighty basalt sourced from Akaroa on Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū (Banks Peninsula). At 55mm long, it carries the natural strength of the stone, formed through volcanic activity that shaped the land millions of years ago. Ōnewa is a stone of endurance, shaped by fire and time,…
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 75mm Marsden Flower Jade Toki is a special piece, carrying deep meaning and connection. The stone features stunning yellow-gold flower patterns on a rich green Kawakawa base, making it visually striking. Thin and translucent, it allows light to shine through, highlighting its unique beauty. This Toki was commissioned by a father for his son….
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 50mm Toki is carved from Tākiri Pounamu, a remarkable type of stone sourced from Douglas Creek. The name “Tākiri” reflects the energy of awakening, new beginnings, and the spark of transformation, all of which are deeply tied to the origins and meaning of this Pounamu. The swirling patterns of green within the stone are…
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…
