I have already made several of these for the organisation I work for. It is a school and they use a metaphor of paddling in a waka for teamwork. The Hoi (paddle) symbolises the effort that someone puts into to pulling the waka in the collective direction with the team.
These are given to staff that have ‘paddled strongly’ in the waka during a period of several years or more as a leaving gift. I love this idea.
I created this set of eight Hei Toki for a group of school leavers who have each excelled in their areas. These taonga were carved to recognise their hard work, determination, and the qualities that helped them stand out during their final year at school. Each toki is a reminder of their achievement and a…
I is a special commission where I had the honour of working with a block of Pounamu passed down through a family for generations. The client felt it was time to transform this cherished stone into something their whānau could wear and treasure. From this pale green Inanga Pounamu, with its stunning black mineral inclusions,…
This set is for a husband and wife. It is to connect them with each other and with their three children. They are carved from the same slice of pounamu. They lay side by side, literally connected, for a very long time until they were separated for this set. The three spiraling korus on each…
Kotahi te Pūtake means “One Source”, a name that reflects the kaupapa behind this set of five hei toki. Each taonga is individual, but all five come from the same piece of Pounamu and carry the same marks representing three generations of one whānau. This set was commissioned by a mother for herself, her husband…
These Niho – Teeth are associated with the shark. They represent leadership, strength, resilience, and life long learning. This set is made for the head students of Rolleston College 2022. I love being able to make something so special to recognise our akonga – students in this way. The five students have been great leaders…
Every creation has a soul, a resonance that echoes its origins and intentions. My latest set, named Wairua Whero, meaning the ‘Spirit of Red,’ embodies just that. This spirit is not merely a reflection of the deep earthy red-brown hue of the catlinite stone but a testament to the profound stories and traditions that the…
Sign up for my newsletter and be the first to know
about new products, promotions, and more.
