This commissioned set of Pounamu taonga was carved for a special occasion—the wedding of a woman with whakapapa to Te Āti Awa, marrying her Australian partner. The set was commissioned by her brother as a gift to honour their journey, their connection, and the family they have built. The name Whiria te Taura, meaning “Weave…
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…
These two Hei Toki hold a special story, one that began long before they were shaped into their final forms. Their journey started when a mother went on a trip with some of her children to Hokitika and visited Arahura where she found these stones. Something about them called to her, a deep knowing that…
I have named this Roimata Te Haeata, which means The Dawn Light. It reflects the moment when darkness gives way to light — a time of transformation, clarity, and new beginnings. This name speaks to the journey held within this taonga, carved from Kahurangi Pounamu with stunning cloud patterns that bring the story to life….
I have named this Toki Tūturu, a word that speaks to something real, authentic, and lasting. This name reflects what the Toki was and still is — a working tool made to shape the world, built with purpose and strength. The name reminds us of the ingenuity and resilience of our ancestors, and the tools…
This is an incredible 60mm Roimata carved from bright green Kahurangi Pounamu. The colour is so clear and translucent that when held to the light, you can see right into its soul. I left a small strip of the whiter, opaque skin on one edge to create contrast and highlight the beauty of the stone….
This is a Niho (tooth) carved from beautiful Pounamu with a light green base and darker patterning running throughout. It is 55mm long and features a hidden hole for the lashing. The lashing is a natural tan colour, sitting neatly over the top of the stone. The Niho design symbolises the strength, determination, and resilience…
Carving Pounamu is always a meaningful process, but sometimes a piece carries even more depth, reflecting not just personal meaning but also cultural connections. This Toki is one of those pieces—a taonga that brings together the strength of Māori and Samoan traditions in a single form. This Toki is carved from Kawakawa Pounamu, a deep…
I have recently completed this Porohita Pounamu taonga, named “Te Manawa o te Whānau”, meaning “The Heart of the Family.” This name reflects the essence of motherhood—the sacrifice, the care, the strength, and the deep love that binds a whānau together. A mother is often the central force in a family, ensuring its well-being, providing…
This taonga is a Kōuma, a breastplate carved from Kokopu Pounamu. Measuring 6cm wide and 4cm high, it carries deep significance as a symbol of inner strength, resilience, and guardianship. Resting against the chest, the Kōuma protects the wearer, much like the sternum shields the heart. Kokopu Pounamu is named for its resemblance to the…
