This taonga is called Hei Matau Arotahi. Arotahi means focus, and this piece was created as a guiding reminder for a young man to keep his focus on the path ahead — a path of respect, manaakitanga, rangatiratanga, and calm strength. The Hei Matau symbolises journey, provision, and safe passage, and in this taonga it…
This taonga has been named “Ngā Kaitiaki Rua” — The Two Guardians. It embodies the essence of protection, connection between two lives, and the balance of worlds. The double-sided manaia design symbolises father and son, guardianship, and the duality of life. This taonga was created from a slice of Pounamu that held deep personal significance….
This taonga is a large Hoe Waka, carved to represent leadership, guidance, and responsibility. I have named it Te Hoe Whakaruruhau – the paddle of shelter and protection – symbolising the role of the kaiurungi, the steerer of the waka, who must guide their people with wisdom while safeguarding those they serve. In this case,…
This taonga is a 5cm pendant carved with soft flowing curves, rounded at the base and finished with a strong black lashing at the top. Its main feature is a small flower motif, inspired by Tongan design. The flower sits proudly on the stone, a reminder of the beauty and strength found in both nature…
These two taonga were carved from a single piece of Inanga Pounamu, brought to me by a whānau member to create something lasting and meaningful from stone that held deep personal significance. The Pounamu had been with their beloved husband and grandfather in his final days, kept close as a taonga that symbolised his strength…
This beautiful set of five taonga, named Ngā Manawa Kotahi (The United Hearts), was carved from a single piece of beach serpentine Pounamu that the whānau found themselves while travelling Te Waipounamu. It was important to them that the stone come from this whenua—a place they feel rooted in, even while living far across the…
I’ve named this set “Ngā Toki o te Māia” — meaning The Toki of courage. The name reflects the kaupapa behind these taonga: a desire to strengthen the bond between two brothers and to gift something that represents inner courage, resilience, and shared whakapapa. Both taonga were carved from the same stone, carrying the same…
This special set of taonga, named Ngā Piringa Rua (The Two Connections), was made for a couple living in the UK who, while making a happy life overseas, still hold a deep connection to Aotearoa. The name reflects both their connection to each other and their shared bond with their sons and the whenua of…
This 9cm Hei Tiki is carved from serpentine stone from Tākaka, and it carries a story of friendship and reciprocity. I’ve named it Te Hokinga, which means “the return” – a name that reflects the kaupapa behind this taonga, created to return a favour from a friend. He sourced the stone himself, so it felt…
This was a special set of taonga, created for a collector who wanted a sample of several different stone types from Aotearoa. Each taonga is carved from a different kind of stone, representing the incredible variety and richness of our whenua. The collector wanted to showcase not just the beauty, but also the diversity of…
