New Year, New Challenges, Whanau Set
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The name “Whānau Kōtuitui” paints a vivid picture. Meaning “Family Binding”, it captures the soul of this collection. Pounamu is so intrinsically linked to our land, its people, and their ancestry that it moves beyond mere aesthetics to become a taonga (treasure) with profound meaning. This is the wairua of pounamu, more commonly known to…
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…
In carving this unique whānau set, I was inspired to create something truly meaningful that reflects the strength and unity of the family it represents. This set, named ‘Te Whare Kaha’ (The Strong House), embodies the foundation upon which this family stands—strong, interconnected, and enduring. When joined together, these pieces form the shape of a…
I had the honour of carving this 7cm Samoan-inspired Toki from beautiful Kawakawa Pounamu, sourced from the Arahura River. This piece is a heartfelt and meaningful gift, rich with symbolism, for a man who carries the strength and pride of both Samoan and Māori cultures. This Toki features five spearheads carved down the middle, representing…
This set is for the father and his four sons of a whanau from Taranaki. IT is awesome that they are all made from the same piece of pounamu. The toki have several elements included in them to represent the owners of the pieces as well as connect with rest of the whanau and with…
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…