For a Tahitian man passionate about the outdoors and the beauty of his country’s atolls, I crafted a custom Toki, named Toki Moana, while a simple name it is heavy with meaning. This piece was designed to reflect his adventurous spirit and love for nature’s rugged beauty, while also being practical and comfortable for daily…
For a milestone 60th birthday, I was honoured to create a unique Pounamu carving set commissioned for a mother-in-law. This special set, named Puna Hauora, symbolises the Spring of Life she provides for her family—a source of nurturing, strength, and connection. The centrepiece of the set is a 7cm-wide Porohita disc pendant. The Porohita, or…
Some taonga carry not just the beauty of the stone but also the weight of deep familial connections. This set of three taonga, named He Aho Whānau, was created from a single block of Pounamu gifted to my customer by his father, who has since passed. The stone was already precious, filled with memories and…
This stunning statement piece is an 85mm-long Toki carved from deep green Kawakawa Pounamu sourced from the Hokitika area. Known for its rich, deep colouring, Kawakawa Pounamu has always carried a sense of strength and beauty, making it the perfect pounamu for this taonga. The Toki was commissioned as a heartfelt gift from a wahine…
Some stones carry with them an extraordinary story, and this agate from Kaitorete Spit near Taumutu in Canterbury is one of those treasures. It’s the finest agate I’ve ever found, and I was fortunate to capture the moment of discovery on video—an experience I’ve shared in the accompanying footage. The stone is truly remarkable. Its…
Creating this set of Pounamu has been a truly special journey, and it feels only fitting to name it Te Ara Kōhatu, which translates to The Journey of the Stone. This name reflects not only the path the Pounamu has taken—from being discovered by the customer to being shaped into these four pieces—but also the…
I recently had the privilege of carving a unique piece from pale green, speckled Kōkopu Pounamu, designed as a korowai—a traditional Māori cloak. This taonga was commissioned for a remarkable teacher moving into significant leadership roles at a new kura. Her team wanted a gift that symbolised her profound impact and the warmth she brings…
I recently completed this meaningful commission for a father whose whānau wanted to gift him a taonga that symbolises his role within their family. The piece is a 6cm Toki carved from rich green Kawakawa Pounamu, sourced from the South Island of New Zealand. Kawakawa Pounamu is prized for its deep, even green hues with…
This Hei Matau is a Pounamu taonga carved from stunning serpentine Pounamu sourced from the West Coast near Hokitika. At 35mm high, it has a solid, sculptural presence, with enough thickness to carve both sides with flowing curves, free of flat spots. The design reflects the natural movement of the stone, creating a smooth, tactile…
I recently had the privilege of creating two bespoke tools for a practitioner dedicated to traditional healing: a Gua Sha tool and a Bo Jin tool. Both were carved from stunning deep green Kawakawa Pounamu, a stone renowned for its beauty and cultural significance. These tools are not only functional but also deeply connected to…
