Recently, I had the privilege of carving a unique 6cm Kākā Beak pendant from pale blue-green Inanga Pounamu sourced from South Westland. The stone itself was a stunning canvas, with natural tan and brown hues running through the blue-green base. These earthy tones allowed me to echo the colours of the feathers of the kākā,…
As the year draws to a close, I’ve had the honour of creating a special set of taonga to recognise the contributions of the head students at my kura. This set of five Niho, carved from a single piece of Kawakawa Pounamu sourced from South Westland, embodies the connection these leaders have shared with each…
This delicate crescent moon pendant is carved from gem-grade Kahurangi Pounamu, known for its stunning clarity and vivid, bright green hues. Measuring 30mm high, this piece is small yet captivating, allowing the natural translucence of the stone to shine through. Kahurangi Pounamu is one of the rarest and most sought-after types of Pounamu, prized for…
This Toki is carved from a deep green Kawakawa Pounamu, sourced from the West Coast of the South Island. The stone holds a richness in color that embodies the natural beauty of Aotearoa, with its deep hues capturing the lush forests of Te Wai Pounamu. At 55mm in length, the piece is small yet significant,…
On a remote beach near Hokitika, I discovered a pebble of Tangiwai Pounamu nestled among countless other kōhatu. Its unique translucence and subtle patterns caught my eye, so I brought it back to my workshop. For nearly a year, it sat on my workbench, patiently waiting for its final form to reveal itself. In time,…
In carving this unique whānau set, I was inspired to create something truly meaningful that reflects the strength and unity of the family it represents. This set, named ‘Te Whare Kaha’ (The Strong House), embodies the foundation upon which this family stands—strong, interconnected, and enduring. When joined together, these pieces form the shape of a…
This recently completed piece is called Marino, meaning “Calm Waters.” It measures 35mm and is carved from highly translucent gem-grade kahurangi pounamu. The customer, for whom I had previously created a larger taonga, reached out again after experiencing discomfort due to ongoing medical challenges. He requested a smaller, more comfortable design that he could wear…
I recently carved a special piece of Pounamu for a colleague at my kura who has stepped into a significant leadership position. His dedication, guidance, and coordination in the work we’ve shared has been outstanding. I wanted to acknowledge his efforts in a meaningful way, so I created a taonga that symbolises the weight of…
I recently completed a unique Pounamu Toki for a long-serving member of our school’s trust board, a man deeply connected to the outdoors and a steadfast supporter of both myself and our Outdoor Education programme. It was an honour to be asked to create this piece on behalf of the school to acknowledge his invaluable…
I recently had the privilege to carve two Pounamu crosses on commission, one measuring 4cm and the other 6cm, both crafted from vibrant green Nephrite Jade. These crosses hold deep personal significance for the recipient, symbolising strength, faith, and resilience. Creating crosses from Pounamu is a powerful experience. Pounamu, or New Zealand greenstone, is treasured…