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 Kotahi, meaning “The Shared Path”, because although each family member follows their own journey through life, they remain connected by the same path they walk together as a family.

Carved from a single piece of beautifully translucent kahurangi pounamu, every taonga carries the same origin. The stone has soft cloudy patterns flowing through it, and when held up to the light it reveals a remarkable depth and glow. Using one piece of pounamu ensured that each family member carries a lasting physical connection to the others, even when life takes them in different directions.

The father and son each wear a hei toki, symbolising strength, determination and the ability to face life’s challenges with courage. The father’s toki measures around 65mm, while the son’s is a slightly smaller 55mm, reflecting the relationship between them while allowing each piece to stand on its own.

The mother and daughter each wear a roimata. The mother’s is approximately 80mm long and the daughter’s 70mm. The roimata represents compassion, resilience and emotional strength. It acknowledges that kindness and empathy are powerful qualities that help hold a whānau together through every stage of life.

One of my favourite details is hidden on the back of the taonga. A single diagonal line begins on the father’s toki and continues across the mother’s, daughter’s and son’s pieces. Individually it appears as a simple carved feature, but when the four taonga are brought together the line becomes one continuous path. It serves as a reminder that each person is part of something greater than themselves. Their individual journeys may be different, but together they form one shared story.

Carving sets like this is always a privilege. Knowing that these taonga will be worn by a family, each carrying the same piece of pounamu and the same shared line, gives them a connection that will remain for many years to come.