Basalt, a dense and hard volcanic rock, has been a prized material for carving throughout New Zealand’s history. Its strength and durability made it ideal for both tools and adornments. I recently had the privilege of carving a toki (adze) from a piece of basalt sourced near Akaroa, a beautiful harbor town on the Banks…
I’m excited to unveil my latest carving, a small yet exquisite toki named “Te Matarau o Tangiwai”. This piece holds a special significance for me, not only for its beauty but also for the symbolism behind its name and the stone it’s crafted from. In traditional Māori culture, the toki (adze) represented strength, craftsmanship, and…
Pounamu, the greenstone of New Zealand, isn’t simply beautiful; it carries deep significance for Māori, representing a taonga (treasure) steeped in tradition and spiritual meaning. This taonga is named “Manaaki.” It’s carved from South Westland hapopo pounamu, its 6cm form has a unique blend of curves and angles. The coolness of the stone, mirroring the…
Toki, traditional Maori adzes, are renowned for their strength and the skilled hands required to craft them. But sometimes, the greatest transformations occur when we surrender to nature’s artistry, as is the case with my newest piece, “Dawnlight”. This toki began its life as a humble agate, a gemstone formed within the fiery heart of…
One of the greatest joys of my work with pounamu is the collaborative journey I sometimes take with clients. Recently, I had the honor of working on a unique commission that embodied this spirit of collaboration with both the stone and the person who brought it to me. The piece began as a beach pebble,…
Today, I want to share a recent creation: a tangiwai pounamu roimata, a teardrop pendant carved from a particularly beautiful piece of translucent tangiwai pounamu. Measuring just 4cm long and adorned with a sleek black lashing, this roimata is a captivating blend of delicacy and strength. The near-translucency of the pounamu allows light to dance…
This pounamu toki, which I’ve named Kia Maia (“be brave”), is so much more than a beautiful piece of jewelry. It’s a symbol of everything about the recipient – strength, resilience, and a heart filled with warmth. The toki itself, a traditional Maori treasure, represents the courage and determination that I know guides our spirits….
I’ve always been captivated by the beauty and significance of pounamu, New Zealand’s precious greenstone. That’s why I was thrilled to craft a pair of earrings from a piece of kawakawa pounamu sourced from the Arahura River on the West Coast. My earrings are simple yet elegant, about 3 centimeters in length, showcasing the vibrant…
I want to share a pounamu pendant that holds a story close to my heart. It’s a piece I call “Kaha Wahine,” which translates to “Strong Woman” in Te Reo Māori. The name wasn’t chosen lightly. This pounamu was commissioned by a remarkable woman who has battled and emerged stronger from breast cancer. The pounamu…
The roimata, with its teardrop shape, is a deeply touching pounamu (greenstone) design. The name I’ve chosen for this piece, “Waiora”, means “life-giving water” or “healing water”, reflecting the roimata’s symbolism of support and renewal. This slender pendant, widening towards a gently curved, rounded base, feels soft and soothing despite being carved from stone. The…
