Pounamu Blog

  • Mauri

    The Mauri is a unique pounamu toki pendant, carved from pale to mid green inanga pounamu. Its dimensions of 8cm in length and 12mm in thickness create a solid and substantial piece. Enhanced by pipiwharauroa shimmer, Mauri invites a tangible connection with the holder. The toki represents the Māori symbols of power, authority, and control….

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    Mokopuna Haerenga

    I’m genuinely thrilled to present to you a set of seven distinctively carved pounamu pendants – The Mokopuna Haerenga, translating to the ‘Grandchildren’s Journey.’ This collection, commissioned by a loving pair of grandparents, is a testament to the celebration of family and a tribute to the journey each grandchild will undertake in life. Each pendant…

  • Lotus Flower

    At the heart of each piece of artwork lies a story, a significant element that breathes life and meaning into it. One such piece is a stunningly beautiful and deeply symbolic pounamu pendant, carefully carved to embody the purity of the lotus flower. Cast in the rich, translucent green hue of Kawakawa pounamu, this piece…

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    Wairua Taonga

    Within the serenity of my workshop, a tale of artistry and cultural significance unfolded as I brought to life a unique pounamu pendant, now named Wairua Taonga. Join me as we unravel the captivating narrative behind this pendant, exploring the meaning embedded within its roimata shape, koru, and pikorua symbols. Through careful carving, the roimata…

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    Aroha Roimata

    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…

  • Mana Tohu – Horoeka Haemata

    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…

  • Roimata Rangimārie

    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…

  • 9cm Flower Jade Toki

    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,…

  • Tapatoru – Breastplate

    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….