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…
This Hei Tiki is a taonga created to honour a milestone—the 50th birthday of a cherished partner. At 11cm long, 7cm wide, and 18mm thick, it carries both presence and mana. The Raukaraka Pounamu used for this piece is striking, with pale greens merging into deep oranges and browns, reflecting the natural beauty of the…
This Toki is carved from Ōnewa, a dense and weighty basalt sourced from Akaroa on Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū (Banks Peninsula). At 55mm long, it carries the natural strength of the stone, formed through volcanic activity that shaped the land millions of years ago. Ōnewa is a stone of endurance, shaped by fire and time,…
This latest taonga is a Tapatoru, carved from Auhunga Pounamu—a stunning stone with pale whitish-green hues, accented by a touch of orange skin at its base. There is a quiet strength in this piece, not just in its design but in the way it carries weight, both physically and symbolically. It is made for someone…
This is a Pounamu Niho, carved from deep green Kawakawa Pounamu, 55mm long. The four-hole ringbolt lashing in black secures the piece, reinforcing its strength and durability. The Niho (tooth) shape carries deep meaning. It symbolises strength, leadership, and protection, much like the teeth of a great animal or guardian. Traditionally, the niho shape is…
This 9cm Roimata, carved from deep green Kawakawa Pounamu, represents healing, strength, and connection. The Roimata, or teardrop, is a form that carries deep meaning—symbolising the flow of emotions, remembrance, and resilience. It is often gifted as a token of support, acknowledging life’s challenges and the wisdom gained through experience. This piece holds extra significance…
This Niho is carved from Ōnewa (basalt) that I personally collected from Akaroa, a place shaped by fire and sea. The deep grey stone carries the history of the land, formed through volcanic forces over thousands of years. This connection to the whenua gives the piece a sense of grounding and endurance. The Niho design…
I’ve recently carved this Pounamu Kōuma, a 70mm wide breastplate made from Kahotea Pounamu. This stone carries deep green tones emerging through a base of white-flecked green, with hints of warm orange adding to its uniqueness. The kōuma is secured with a black 4-braid cord on a ringbolt lashing, giving it strength and presence. The…
