I’m Campbell Potter, a New Zealander of European descent living in Christchurch. I’ve spent the last ten years learning to carve Pounamu, alongside my work as a teacher. These days, I carve full time from my small workshop at home. I do everything myself—from finding and cutting the stone to shaping, polishing, lashing, and photographing each piece. For me, carving is about connection. Each taonga I make carries meaning, whether it’s a story, a memory, or something to anchor a moment in time. I create taonga to be worn, gifted, and passed on.
A veined Pounamu hand stone, 12cm wide, 5cm deep, and about 3.5cm at the thickest point. The polished face shows a lively mix of dark and light greens with hints of yellow, while the back retains its natural river skin. A grounding stone to hold, keep close, or display as a connection to the whenua.
This serpentine Pounamu touchstone is a deep green with pale edges and a touch of orange. At 15cm long, it’s ideal as a display piece or a meaningful touchstone, symbolising connection to people and place.
A Pounamu touchstone, 12cm wide, polished on one side with its natural skin left on the back. Found on the West Coast near Hokitika.
This sterling silver ring features a hand-carved Kawakawa Pounamu cabochon with a natural line running through it, adding a unique sense of movement and depth. The tapered rectangular shape curves gracefully across the top, while the textured silver surface resembles the bark of a living tree — a reminder of growth, resilience, and connection to nature.
This sterling silver ring features a hand-carved oval cabochon of dark green Kawakawa Pounamu, set within an organic, flowing band. The silver ripples gently around the finger, with soft waves and rounded bead-like details near the stone — as if shaped by water itself. The contrast of smooth Pounamu and textured silver captures the energy and movement of nature in balance.
This 70mm Roimata is carved from striped grey Pakohe sourced from the Takaka area. Tapered at both ends, it reflects the natural flow of emotion and healing. Pakohe is a stone of strength, endurance, and connection to tūpuna, and this piece honours that legacy. It’s finished with a black spiral lashing and ready to wear.
This Tangiwai Pounamu taonga features a koru carved into its side, symbolising growth, renewal, and connection. The rare translucent greenstone glows when held to the light, making it a powerful reminder of transformation and potential.
This Tangiwai Pounamu Roimata is 10cm long, carved from deep dark green stone with a fine clear grain. The Roimata, or teardrop, symbolises healing, comfort, and connection, making it a meaningful taonga to wear close. When held to the light, the stone glows beautifully, revealing its depth. Finished with a black spiral lashing. I also have a matching piece available if you’d like a set of two.
Te Ao Huna, meaning “the hidden world”, celebrates the beauty that reveals itself when viewed from a different perspective. This 55mm Roimata is carved from dark green Kawakawa Pounamu and finished with a traditional black Roimata lashing. Tumbled to create a natural organic form, the stone reveals striking dark inclusions and internal character when held to the light.
This 65mm Roimata is carved from deep green Bowenite Pounamu sourced from the Tasman region. In low light it appears dark and solid, but when held to the sun it becomes highly translucent, revealing the inner structure of the stone. The Roimata form represents emotion, reflection, and release, while the clarity within symbolises insight that comes from within. Finished with a clean black spiral lashing, it hangs naturally when worn.
Te Ara Rua means “the two paths.” This Kawakawa Pounamu pendant symbolises the strength to walk between contrast — holding firmness and compassion, experience and growth, without losing yourself. Set in sterling silver with corner claws and a spiral detail at the base, it carries a quiet but grounded presence.
Te Au Huri means “the turning current.” It speaks to movement, flow, and the natural cycles of growth and change in our lives. This 16mm oval cabochon is carved from Fuchsite, a shimmering green chromium-rich mica, and set with a sterling silver bail featuring spiral detailing. A silver spiral engraving on the back reinforces the meaning of steady movement and evolving strength.
Te Here o te Whenua speaks of the bonds that connect us to one another and to the land beneath our feet. This matching set includes a 70mm Toki and an 80mm Kōuma carved from the same piece of Pounamu from the Whakatū region. The stone displays striking blue tones alongside earthy green rind from the outer edge of the original boulder. Finished with black lashings, the pair remains connected through the stone from which they came.
This Tākiri Pounamu Mere represents strength, authority, and presence. Carved from Douglas Creek Pounamu, it measures 31cm long and 105mm wide, with finely tapered edges that allow light to pass through and reveal glowing green tones. The muka (harakeke fibre) cord adds a natural, traditional finish, and the piece is presented on a custom-fitted wooden base. A powerful and striking taonga designed for display and connection.
Te Koru Mārama means “The Enlightened Spiral,” reflecting the koru’s symbolism of growth and new beginnings, and the bright clarity of this Kahurangi Pounamu. This taonga is carved from a highly translucent stone, around 50mm high, with the koru carved into the front of a tumbled pebble. I tumbled the stone in my workshop to preserve its natural flowing curves before carving into it. When held to the light, the vivid green glows, highlighting the depth and life within the stone. It is ready to wear and is a one-of-a-kind piece.
Te Manu Tiaki is a full-sized Mere carved from Kawakawa Pounamu, named for the subtle manu carved into the handle. Featuring a pāua eye and gently shaped beak, the guardian figure symbolises protection, guidance, and the enduring presence of a kaitiaki.
The stone displays rich green colouring with pale flecked patterns that evoke clouds, rain, and changing weather moving across the landscape. Measuring 36cm in length, this slim and elegant Mere carries the traditional symbolism of leadership, mana, and responsibility. Finished with a black eight-braid cord and supplied with the stand pictured.
