Rau Whakaora – Kawakawa Leaf Pounamu Taonga

I have named this taonga Rau Whakaora, meaning “leaf of healing” or “healing leaf”. The name reflects the long connection between kawakawa and rongoā Māori, where the plant has been valued for healing, protection and restoring wellbeing.

This taonga brings together both the kawakawa leaf and kawakawa Pounamu. The stone is a gorgeous deep green, with a small area of very pale green rind retained from the outer edge of the original stone. When held to the light, the Pounamu glows beautifully and reveals the dark inclusions held within it.

The leaf measures approximately 70 millimetres from top to bottom and 70 millimetres across. I carved the familiar heart-shaped form of the kawakawa leaf, including the holes commonly eaten through its surface by insects. These holes are an important part of the leaf’s character and are often associated with the healthy, sought-after leaves traditionally selected for rongoā.

Kawakawa is strongly connected with healing, but its meaning reaches beyond physical health. It can also represent care, protection, recovery and the strength needed to move through difficult experiences. The leaf may be damaged and marked, but it continues to grow and retain its purpose. For me, this gives Rau Whakaora an added meaning of resilience: wellbeing does not require us to remain untouched by life.

Pounamu carries its own significance as a material associated with strength, connection and the passing of mana and stories between people and generations. Combining Pounamu with the kawakawa leaf creates a taonga that can be worn as a reminder to look after ourselves and others, and to recognise the strength found in healing.

Rau Whakaora is suspended from a black necklace cord attached at two points across the top of the leaf. This allows the broad shape to sit securely and keeps the full form of the kawakawa leaf visible when worn.

I enjoyed carving the natural details into this piece and allowing the colour, rind and inclusions of the stone to become part of the leaf. Rau Whakaora is a substantial and distinctive taonga, carrying a simple message of healing, protection and resilience.