This set of Wood Badge beads was a special commission, carved from Kawakawa Pounamu. Traditionally, Wood Badge beads are made from wood and awarded to Scout leaders who complete advanced leadership training. The tradition traces back to 1919, when Lord Baden-Powell, founder of the Scout Movement, began awarding wooden beads as a symbol of leadership…
This latest taonga is a Tapatoru, carved from Auhunga Pounamu—a stunning stone with pale whitish-green hues, accented by a touch of orange skin at its base. There is a quiet strength in this piece, not just in its design but in the way it carries weight, both physically and symbolically. It is made for someone…
I recently had the privilege of carving this beautiful Pounamu Hoe, named Te Whakatere (The Navigator), which holds a story as profound as its design. The stone was brought to me by a customer who had been gifted the raw Pounamu by a close friend. Wanting to honour their bond, he decided to have something…
This Pounamu bracelet that combines craftsmanship and symbolism. The bracelet features two handmade beads, each carved from distinct types of Pounamu. One bead is deep green Kawakawa Pounamu, known for its rich tones and grounding energy, while the other is bright green Kahurangi Pounamu, celebrated for its rarity, clarity, and spiritual lightness. Both beads were…
I recently had the privilege of carving a unique piece from pale green, speckled Kōkopu Pounamu, designed as a korowai—a traditional Māori cloak. This taonga was commissioned for a remarkable teacher moving into significant leadership roles at a new kura. Her team wanted a gift that symbolised her profound impact and the warmth she brings…
I recently had the privilege of creating two bespoke tools for a practitioner dedicated to traditional healing: a Gua Sha tool and a Bo Jin tool. Both were carved from stunning deep green Kawakawa Pounamu, a stone renowned for its beauty and cultural significance. These tools are not only functional but also deeply connected to…
Recently, I had the privilege of carving a unique 6cm Kākā Beak pendant from pale blue-green Inanga Pounamu sourced from South Westland. The stone itself was a stunning canvas, with natural tan and brown hues running through the blue-green base. These earthy tones allowed me to echo the colours of the feathers of the kākā,…
This delicate crescent moon pendant is carved from gem-grade Kahurangi Pounamu, known for its stunning clarity and vivid, bright green hues. Measuring 30mm high, this piece is small yet captivating, allowing the natural translucence of the stone to shine through. Kahurangi Pounamu is one of the rarest and most sought-after types of Pounamu, prized for…
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 had the privilege to carve two Pounamu crosses on commission, one measuring 4cm and the other 6cm, both crafted from vibrant green Nephrite Jade. These crosses hold deep personal significance for the recipient, symbolising strength, faith, and resilience. Creating crosses from Pounamu is a powerful experience. Pounamu, or New Zealand greenstone, is treasured…
