Te Rere o te Pīwakawaka

The name Te Rere o te Pīwakawaka means “The Flight of the Fantail.” It reflects the pīwakawaka as a symbol of curiosity, awareness, and connection, celebrating one of Aotearoa’s most recognisable native birds.

This pīwakawaka is carved from a beautiful piece of serpentine Pounamu from the Whakatū/Tasman region. In natural light the stone appears deep, dark green, almost black, but when held to the sun or another light source it transforms completely. Brilliant translucent greens emerge from within, scattered with fine black flecks that give the stone depth and character. It is always rewarding to carve stone with this kind of hidden beauty, where the true nature of the Pounamu only reveals itself in the right light.

The taonga measures 85 mm across and 55 mm high, with a six-hole ring-bolt lashing spanning the tops of the wings. It is designed so that, when worn, the pīwakawaka faces upwards towards the wearer.

The pīwakawaka holds a special place within Māori tradition. It is often associated with communication between the physical and spiritual worlds, carrying messages and reminding us of those who have gone before us. While different iwi have their own stories and interpretations, the pīwakawaka is widely recognised as a bird of alertness, curiosity, and connection. Its quick movements and fearless nature make it a powerful symbol of awareness, adaptability, and the importance of paying attention to the world around us.

I always enjoy carving forms inspired by the natural world. The pīwakawaka is instantly recognisable and carries deep cultural meaning, making it a rewarding subject to carve in Pounamu.