Te Rere o te Peka

Te Rere o te Peka speaks to movement, balance, and the way we adjust our path when guided by instinct and awareness. The name reflects the nature of the pekapeka form itself, shaped by dual perspectives and the quiet strength that comes from being able to see the world from more than one direction.

This pekapeka carries the distinctive qualities of the traditional design. The form is often linked to the long‑tailed bat of Aotearoa, our only native land mammal, and symbolises protection, adaptability, and guardianship of the spaces we move through. The double‑headed structure connects to old manaia forms, with each head watching in its own direction, representing awareness of both what lies ahead and what follows behind. The flowing serpentine body between them brings these elements together, showing the ongoing movement of life and the balance required to navigate it.

I carved this piece from deep green Kawakawa Pounamu, a beautiful stone that becomes even more alive when light moves through it. The translucency reveals soft shifts in tone and gives the whole form a sense of quiet energy. Each head has its own character and proportions, giving the taonga personality and a sense of dual guardianship. The pāua eyes bring light and presence, and the triple‑bend shape gives the body rhythm and movement.

The lashing is set at two points to hold the pekapeka in balance when worn, allowing it to sit comfortably and show the full shape. Working with this piece was a rewarding process, finding harmony between both ends of the form while letting the stone dictate the final flow.

Carving Te Rere o te Peka reminded me how important balance is in our lives—recognising where we have come from, where we are going, and how the choices we make shape the path between.