Symbolic gestures have a unique way of adding profound depth to significant milestones. Aroha Roimata, a meticulously crafted pounamu pendant, serves as an eloquent illustration of this idea. This striking piece, a large roimata fashioned from Kawakawa pounamu from the Arahura River, tells a deeply personal story. As she stands at the threshold of her…
In the realm of traditional carving, every piece has its own tale to tell, a story that interweaves art, symbolism, and deep-rooted culture. Today, I am excited to unveil two exquisite pieces from my collection, carefully hand-carved from a unique slice of pounamu, or New Zealand greenstone. Both hailing from the same stone, these two…
Certain moments call for gifts that encapsulate more than just beauty – they embody substance, history, and a profound significance. As we bid farewell to a respected senior leader from Rolleston College – Horoeka Haemata, a remarkable token of appreciation has been thoughtfully curated – a Pounamu Toki, named Mana Tohu, translating to “Sign of…
There’s a profound sense of tranquility, an almost sacred bond that forms when we engage in the age-old practice of carving. It’s a process where one not only shapes a physical object but also carves out a personal journey of understanding and connection. My recent endeavour, the crafting of a pounamu roimata, or a tear-shaped…
In the realm of pounamu carving, there’s a story that unfolds – a tale of transition and transformation, born from the heart of the earth and ultimately brought to life in the hands of the carver. This narrative begins with a unique stone known as the ‘flower jade’ or putiputi pounamu from the Marsden region,…
I’m absolutely stoked to unveil this creation, the Triangle Breast Plate Pounamu. I’ve spent a lot of time carving this beauty out of deep green Kawa Kawa Pounamu and stringing it together with white cord using the ring bolt lashing method. To me, a triangle isn’t just a shape with three corners and three sides….
As a lover of pounamu (New Zealand greenstone), it is always an exhilarating experience to bring a new piece to life. This toki with its light green hue intertwined with unique orange flecks, is a visual representation of the rich and diverse landscapes that New Zealand has to offer. Made from Raukaraka Pounamu, a variety…
There are few things as beautiful and meaningful as a piece of carved Niho Pounamu. This precious stone, known as New Zealand Greenstone or Jade, is renowned for its deep spiritual significance to the Māori people. Recently, I had the honor of creating a unique Niho Pounamu pendant for a special individual, a piece that…
There is a unique beauty in heirlooms, especially those that are crafted with heart and carry symbolic weight. They’re not just objects, but living vessels that carry stories, traditions, and meanings, passed down through generations. Today, I want to take you on a journey to discover the exquisite beauty and profound symbolism of a Hei…
I’m thrilled to share with you my latest carving, a piece that has been a labor of love over the past few months. It’s a Niho, or ‘tooth’, and it’s a large one, carved from the stunningly beautiful Raukaraka Pounamu, or New Zealand greenstone. The Niho design is a traditional Māori symbol, often associated with…