Gift of Connection

Recently, I had the privilege of carving a very special taonga for a young boy living across the ocean. His grandparents came to visit me, looking for a piece of Pounamu to gift him – something that would carry a deep connection back to his roots in Aotearoa.

They chose a pendant carved from the most stunning rich forest green Kawakawa Pounamu. The stone has a deep, calming strength to it, full of life and character, perfect for carrying the meaning they wanted to share.

On the front of the pendant, I carved a Celtic symbol, weaving together another important part of his identity – his Irish heritage. This taonga is a bridge between two worlds, Aotearoa and Ireland, honouring where he comes from and the whānau who love him.

Pounamu is not just stone; it is a connection to land, to people, to history. This piece will carry the strength and presence of home with him as he grows, a reminder that no matter where life takes him, he is always linked to his whakapapa and to those who stand behind him.

It was an honour to create something with so much meaning woven into it.