These carvings are born from moments both joyful and bittersweet. They capture the essence of life’s journey, honoring loved ones, commemorating challenges overcome, and celebrating the unwavering power of hope. Discover the meaningful stories that give these pieces their heart.
I had the privilege of carving a special set of Pounamu, named Tatau Pounamu, commissioned by a father for himself and his children. “Tatau Pounamu” translates to “The Unbroken Bond,” symbolising the unbreakable connection between the father and his children, who live with their mother. Despite the distance, these pendants serve as a reminder of…
This is a very special set, made during the unexpected and tragic passing of a great man, son, father, and partner. We are forever connected to those close to us that pass; they are always with us. Having pounamu taonga is a way to have a tangible piece of that connection with us moving forward….
This is a very special set. When I heard this story and what they wanted my heart went out to them. The father has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. This set is primarily for them as a tangible representation of his love and enduring presence after he is gone. Named He Aroha Tonutanga, which…
I want to share a pounamu pendant that holds a story close to my heart. It’s a piece I call “Kaha Wahine,” which translates to “Strong Woman” in Te Reo Māori. The name wasn’t chosen lightly. This pounamu was commissioned by a remarkable woman who has battled and emerged stronger from breast cancer. The pounamu…
Symbolic gestures have a unique way of adding profound depth to significant milestones. Aroha Roimata, a meticulously crafted pounamu pendant, serves as an eloquent illustration of this idea. This striking piece, a large roimata fashioned from Kawakawa pounamu from the Arahura River, tells a deeply personal story. As she stands at the threshold of her…
This set is part of a much larger project. My wife Roz has created her first book, a childrens book called Sand in my toes salt in my nose. It is about a classic kiwi beach holiday. As a part of the project I have created a set of pounamu representing core elements of each…
Horoeka Haemata – Rolleston College has its first cohort of learners graduating this year. I have the privilege of making a set of pounamu for the 5 Head Students that make up the student leadership team from this year. The Niho is a symbol that links strongly with shark and/or whale teeth. It represents leadership,…
This was a cool challenge, and came up great. The idea was to create a set for a man and his wife that were interconnected. He really wanted two pieces with toki and pikorua as the symbols. Having the pikorua symbol flow between them as well as having the pieces made from the same pounamu…
To me this set is everything that whanau should be. It is connection. It is values. It is tangible representation of the loving bond that a cohesive whanau has. This is a set full of meaning and depth. It was commissioned by the Mum who has recently received a terminal cancer diagnosis! Devastating! She wanted…
This is a set that I was honored to be asked to make, to be able to contribute to this whanau journey in a small way means a lot to me. This is a set for a Mother and her two young boys. The way she put it got straight to the core of why…
This piece is a pendant that symbolises a journey of growth and healing. It is a beautiful thing to hear that someone is proud to be who they are and that they are caring for themselves as the owner of this will be. This is a gorgeous bright green pounamu with chatoyant fibres in it…
This is a special set commissioned for a son on his 21st originally as just a toki. Mana is power, Whanau is family, and Tahi is one or unity in this case. The name of the set means powerful and strong family connection. The original idea was a toki for the son something to bless…
Life is a journey and this is what this pounamu is to represent. There is growth and progress on our journey, milestones and achievements we accomplish. The carving on this roimata represents a journey. The koru for growth and achievement. In this case the milestone of becoming a registered kaiako. The winding path below it…
This set was a privilege to work on and create. The design and significance that went into this piece was deep and meaningful. I called this set Te Waenga as it fully represents the deep significance of the space between people and a strong yet invisible connection can be nurtured here. This set represents this…
A big and beautiful set for a big and beautiful kaupapa. A set of pounamu all cut from the same raw source is a significant way to represent and deepen a connection with people. This pounamu was created deep under the earth under tremendous heat and pressure. Since it cooled these pieces have laid side…
It was an honor and privilege to create this taonga. When I was first contacted about making this, the kaupapa behind was very moving and it is exactly what pounamu is about for me. This is a gift for a young woman. She tragically lost her 12 year old sister a few years ago to…
There was so much depth and mana to this piece before I even got involved, it was a real privilege to be the one to influence and carve this design. Kath was given this piece of pounamu by friends of hers as a symbol of her connection to Aotearoa, so already this piece held significance…
This was a special commission from a family friend. It is made for a couple that are celebrating a significant milestone in their lives. The pounamu is sourced from the Kaniere area near Hokitika. The Koru is a special symbol that was chosen to represent the members of this family. I am always blown…
Whether your journey is filled with celebration or marked by challenges, a meaningful carving can offer a tangible reminder of strength and love. Contact me to design a piece or a set that reflects your own unique story.
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In the heart of Aotearoa, where mountains kiss the sea, lies a treasure born of the land – Pounamu. More than just stone, pounamu whispers with the voices of ancestors, echoes with the pulse of the natural world.
Each piece of pounamu carries a pūrākau, a story, woven into its swirling depths. These stories may speak of the arduous journeys to uncover its beauty, of battles fought and victories won. They may sing of love, loss, and the unbreakable bonds of whānau (family).
When a taonga (treasure) is carved from pounamu, it becomes a vessel for these stories. It is a tangible link to the past, a guide for the present, and a promise for the future. To wear or hold such a taonga is to carry not just its physical weight, but the weight of history, the warmth of connection.
Let your Pounamu taonga tell its unique story. Embrace the mana (power) it holds, for these meaningful stories shape who we are, reminding us of our place in the tapestry of time. They are whispered in the curve of a mere, the gentle arc of a hei tiki, and the smooth touch of a pendant against your skin.
