New Year, New Challenges, Whanau Set






I recently completed a special commission for a Toki carved from Kawakawa Pounamu, sourced from the Hokitika area. This piece measures 8cm in length and carries deep cultural significance for its wearer, a man of Samoan heritage who has made New Zealand his home. The design of the Toki was carefully crafted to weave together…
Gorgeous set of deep kawakawa pounamu. Toki and Pikorua. Here are some shots of the process. The finished set.
This pounamu is to represent the man of the whanau. To support the Rangatiratanga – Leadership and Mana that he holds in this role. A toki traditionally represents leadership, authority, and mana. This is very appropriate for the kaupapa of this pendant. Made for one man in particular. The slice of pounamu that was chosen…
In the world of Pounamu carvings, each piece holds a narrative, a breath of the land it came from, and the hands that shaped it. Today, we explore a toki with a discreetly crafted hole for the necklace, a testament to both innovation and tradition. The toki, or adze, is a symbol of strength, control,…
For a Tahitian man passionate about the outdoors and the beauty of his country’s atolls, I crafted a custom Toki, named Toki Moana, while a simple name it is heavy with meaning. This piece was designed to reflect his adventurous spirit and love for nature’s rugged beauty, while also being practical and comfortable for daily…
This set of Hei Toki, named Aho Rua, symbolises the unbreakable bond between grandfather and grandson. The name translates to ‘Two Strands’, representing the intertwined journey of both individuals—distinct yet always connected, like the woven fibres of a strong cord. Each piece was carved from the same block of Pounamu from the Nelson/Whakatū area, reinforcing…