I recently completed a commission for a 6cm cross carved from Kawakawa Pounamu. Kawakawa Pounamu is known for its deep green hues and rich, natural patterns that carry a sense of connection to the land and history of Aotearoa. The cross shape holds significant meaning for many, symbolising faith, strength, and guidance. It’s a shape…
I recently completed Toki Whakatipu, an 8cm-long commission carved from deep green Kawakawa Pounamu, as a gift for a couple getting married. This piece is a companion to the Mātau Whakatipu, which I created earlier as a symbol of growth and new beginnings. Together, these taonga form a meaningful set, each complementing the other in…
I is a special commission where I had the honour of working with a block of Pounamu passed down through a family for generations. The client felt it was time to transform this cherished stone into something their whānau could wear and treasure. From this pale green Inanga Pounamu, with its stunning black mineral inclusions,…
I had the privilege of carving a commissioned Pounamu taonga to help honour the memory of a brother. The piece is a 6cm double twist Pikorua, crafted from a stunning pale green Inanga Pounamu, which holds deep significance both in its design and the story it represents. The double twist, or Pikorua, symbolises the intertwining…
I recently completed a special commission for a Toki carved from Kawakawa Pounamu, sourced from the Hokitika area. This piece measures 8cm in length and carries deep cultural significance for its wearer, a man of Samoan heritage who has made New Zealand his home. The design of the Toki was carefully crafted to weave together…
I recently carved a special Toki from a stunning piece of Hapopo Pounamu, gifted to a good friend who embodies the essence of making connections with others. The stone is a bright green with darker swirls, showcasing the natural beauty of Hapopo Pounamu. This Toki is 6cm in length and features two koru carved into…
This piece is named Kōuma Whānau, a fitting name for such a deeply significant taonga. The Kōuma (anchor) traditionally symbolises stability, grounding, and strength, much like an anchor keeps a waka steady through changing tides. In this case, it represents the foundation of the family, its roots planted firmly in the past but holding strong…
This piece, now named Mātau Whakatipu, carries a deeply personal meaning for both the giver and the recipient. The name, chosen with great care, reflects growth and new beginnings, which are not only symbolised by the koru design but also deeply rooted in the story behind this taonga. The original Hei Matau, lost after being…
This handcrafted bracelet showcases the beauty and variety of New Zealand’s Pounamu. I’ve selected three distinct types of Pounamu to highlight their unique colors and contrasts. The beads are all handmade, with each one a different variety of Pounamu: These three stones are strung on a 4-braid cord that I’ve crafted by hand, ensuring strength…
This stunning Roimata is carved from A-grade Kawakawa Pounamu, known for its deep green colour and remarkable translucency. The pendant has straight tapered sides and a gently curved base, measuring 8cm in length. I’ve added a white spiral lashing to complement the rich green tones of the stone. The Roimata, or ‘tear drop’ shape, traditionally…
