Pounamu Blog

  • Kahurangi Pounamu Crescent Moon

    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…

  • Kawakawa Toki

    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,…

  • Marino – Calm Water

    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…

  • Toki Mana

    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…

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    Te Tiritiri o Te Moana

    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…

  • Pounamu Crosses

    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…

  • Aroha Stone Roimata

    I recently completed a very special taonga for my wife – a 5cm long Roimata, crafted from Aroha Stone. This piece holds deep significance not only because of the stone but because of the connection it symbolises. The Aroha Stone I used features stunning shades of deep purples and pinks through to whites, capturing the…