Pounamu Blog

  • Gold and Inanga Cufflinks

    There is something understated and powerful about wearing taonga in a formal setting. These cufflinks were carved for a tāne who wanted a connection to Pounamu that could be worn with a suit or dress shirt, carried into important moments, celebrations, and milestones in life. We spent a long time selecting the right piece of…

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    Te Toka Pūmau

    Te Toka Pūmau means “the enduring stone” or “the grounding stone,” reflecting the role of the central display piece within this set of taonga. All three pieces were carved from a single cobble of Inanga Pounamu, keeping them permanently connected through the same source stone and the same natural history formed within Te Wai Pounamu….

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    Te Pou Whakaruruhau

    Te Pou Whakaruruhau — a name that speaks to both strength and protection. “Te Pou” refers to a pillar, a central support that holds others up, while “Whakaruruhau” means shelter or a place of safety. Together, the name reflects a man who stands as a pillar for others, and a taonga created to offer him…

  • Te Whai o Rakahuri

    This taonga is a 65mm whai (stingray) carved from stone gathered from the Rakahuri (Ashley River) in North Canterbury. It carries a strong sense of place, shaped not just by the stone itself, but by the connection the recipient has to that river, to Maukatere, and to the wider Hurunui landscape. The stone is a…

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    Te Koru Iti

    This taonga is a small but powerful expression of growth, renewal, and personal identity. I’ve named it Te Koru Iti, meaning “the small koru,” reflecting both its physical size and the quiet strength it carries. The koru is a deeply significant form in Māori culture, symbolising new beginnings, ongoing growth, and the unfolding of life….

  • Te Rongo o te Wai

    I have named this taonga Te Rongo o te Wai, meaning the peace of the water. This name speaks to the calm and stillness that water can bring, and the role this piece is intended to play for its wearer. It was created as something to be held, turned over in the hands, and returned…

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    Te Haepapa Tūturu

    Te Haepapa Tūturu translates to “the enduring responsibility.” This name reflects a life shaped by service, where responsibility is not something carried lightly or temporarily, but something lived every day. This taonga was created to represent that steady commitment to others — to guiding, supporting, and helping people grow in challenging environments. It also acknowledges…

  • Te Kaha o te Ara

    This taonga is called Te Kaha o te Ara, a name that speaks to the strength carried along one’s path. It reflects the idea of moving forward with purpose, making decisions with intent, and having the inner strength to shape direction over time. Pounamu carries a deep connection to the whenua and its own long…