Tātau Whānau means “our family” or “all of us as a family.” I chose this name because these taonga come from a single slice of Pounamu that has travelled through generations of their Ngāi Tahu whānau. The name makes the meaning explicit: this stone has always belonged to the collective. By becoming a roimata and…
I have named this taonga Manu Huia, a reference to the treasured huia whose feathers were symbols of status, respect, and deep reverence. A huia feather represents dignity, leadership, and the carrying of whakapapa. It is a reminder of those we honour, the stories we hold, and the responsibility we carry as we move forward….
This taonga is a Niho, carved from fossilised wood found in Southland. The stone began its life as wood millions of years ago, slowly transformed through time and immense pressure into stone. That transformation holds deep meaning — it speaks of endurance, patience, and the strength that comes from change. The fossilised wood is rich…
This piece is named Awa Rua, meaning two rivers. It symbolises connection — two paths that begin together and then flow in their own directions, always remaining linked by their source. The form of the Hoe, a waka paddle, carries the energy of movement and purpose, guiding us forward through life. Carved into it is…
There’s something captivating about a Mobius form — the way it twists back on itself, creating a single, unbroken surface that has no true beginning or end. It’s a simple shape that feels like a riddle made real: what appears to have an inside and an outside is, in truth, one continuous path. I carved…
This taonga is a large Hoe Waka, carved to represent leadership, guidance, and responsibility. I have named it Te Hoe Whakaruruhau – the paddle of shelter and protection – symbolising the role of the kaiurungi, the steerer of the waka, who must guide their people with wisdom while safeguarding those they serve. In this case,…
This ring is something quite different from most of the taonga I create. I’ve named it Manawa Kākāriki — Green Heart. The name reflects both the deep green hue of the Kawakawa Pounamu and the strong visual focus of the ring, which sits like a heartbeat in the centre of the silverwork. It speaks to…
This small hoe pendant, named Te Ara Mua, was carved as a 40th birthday gift, symbolising guidance, direction, and the ability to move forward with purpose. The hoe, or paddle, is a powerful symbol in te ao Māori. It speaks to the journey we each take through life, and our role in steering ourselves and…
This taonga is called Whakapiri — meaning “to come together” — honouring the powerful bond between mother and child, and the role of this taonga in holding that connection across time. This commissioned ripi has been carved from stunning, translucent pale green Inanga Pounamu — some of the finest I’ve worked with. Soft and creamy…
This piece is called Tirohanga — “A View or Perspective” — referencing the manaia’s protective gaze and the broader perspective of life and sustenance represented by the unaunahi. It’s a taonga that speaks of insight, guardianship, and awareness — a piece for someone who carries vision and sees deeply into the world around them. This…
