Hei Toki

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    Te Tiritiri o Te Moana

    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…

  • Toki Whakatipu

    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…

  • Samoan Toki

    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…

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    Hononga – Connections

    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…

  • Ōnewa Toki Whao

    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…

  • Toki Mā

    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…

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    Toki Toa

    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…

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    Wairua Taonga

    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…