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 recently carved a special piece of Pounamu for a colleague at my kura who has stepped into a significant leadership position. His dedication, guidance, and coordination in the work we’ve shared has been outstanding. I wanted to acknowledge his efforts in a meaningful way, so I created a taonga that symbolises the weight of…
I recently completed a unique Pounamu Toki for a long-serving member of our school’s trust board, a man deeply connected to the outdoors and a steadfast supporter of both myself and our Outdoor Education programme. It was an honour to be asked to create this piece on behalf of the school to acknowledge his invaluable…
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…
