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Te Ara Kotahi
Some taonga are created for an individual. Others are created to celebrate the people who walk through life together. This set was commissioned for a family of four, with each member receiving a taonga that reflected both who they are individually and the bond they share as a whānau. I named the collection Te Ara…
Moana Whanau
This toki is made from the rare and beautiful Marsden Flower Jade, or Putiputi. The notches in the side are for his two children. The wave is to represent the deep connection with Te Moana – The Ocean he has, particularly through waka ama. I loved carving this wave. The lines came up so clean…
Whānau Toki – Kawakawa Pounamu
I recently completed this meaningful commission for a father whose whānau wanted to gift him a taonga that symbolises his role within their family. The piece is a 6cm Toki carved from rich green Kawakawa Pounamu, sourced from the South Island of New Zealand. Kawakawa Pounamu is prized for its deep, even green hues with…
Hei Toki for my Dad
Made this for my Dad on his big birthday recently. This is a made from a pounamu that he actually bought for me as a rough block. I have made toki for one of his brothers and two of his nephews from this piece as well. Cool way to be connected with your whanau.
Te Kaha o te Ara
This taonga is called Te Kaha o te Ara, a name that speaks to the strength carried along one’s path. It reflects the idea of moving forward with purpose, making decisions with intent, and having the inner strength to shape direction over time. Pounamu carries a deep connection to the whenua and its own long…
From One Stone: A Whānau Set of Hei Toki
This set of six hei toki was carved for a mother and her five children (two of her own and three step children), connecting them with the kawakawa Pounamu hei toki I had previously carved for their husband and father. His toki was gifted for his 50th birthday and became a powerful source of strength…
