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.
This 65mm Pounamu Hei Matau is carved from beautifully translucent light green stone, reminiscent of Kahurangi with natural inclusions that give it depth and character. The form is narrow and refined, with a subtle hook at the top and a defined spike at the base. The Hei Matau symbolises strength, prosperity, and safe travel, especially across water. It is ready to wear and is a one-of-a-kind taonga
This Triple Twist Pikorua is carved from Hapopo Pounamu from South Westland. At 90mm long, with a pointed flick at the base, it is strikingly translucent. The inner connections of the twist remain intact, symbolising unbreakable bonds. Suspended on a black cord, it carries the timeless meaning of connection, loyalty, and eternity.
Uira Ara is a large 110mm Hei Toki carved from deep green Kawakawa Pounamu. A natural lightning-like feature runs through the centre of the stone, contrasting with darker green tones and softer clouded patterning on the reverse. The form has flat bevelled edges and a curved face flowing down to the cutting edge.
This 90mm Roimata is carved from dark grey Urirui Pākohe, known for its depth of colour and subtle grain. Long and slender, it’s finished with a black spiral lashing that complements the stone’s natural strength. A striking taonga that feels both grounded and refined.
Whakatau is a compact Kawakawa Pounamu toki carved at 40mm long, with a distinctive cloudy pattern flowing across the front of the stone. The name Whakatau means to settle, decide, or bring resolution, and was chosen to reflect the calm, grounded presence of the stone. Finished with a clean black lashing, this is a simple, strong taonga designed to sit close to the body.
Whakatipu is a Raukaraka Pounamu Hei Tiki, carved in the traditional groove style. Its golden-orange hues give it a rich, warm presence. A taonga of deep ancestral connection and meaning.
See the full story and video here.
Whanaunga is a set of two taonga — a Toki and a Roimata — carved from the same piece of deep green serpentine Pounamu from the Nelson area. Each is 60mm long, with a black lashing. Their shared origin symbolises enduring connection — two pieces that were one for countless years, now carrying that bond into the lives of those who wear them.
This unique whatuaho (greywacke) pendant, crafted from a West Coast beach pebble, showcases the natural beauty of the stone. Measuring 6cm long, it features a tan lashing with a ringbolt lashing style using half hitches across three holes at the top.
SOLD
This kapeu is carved from inanga pounamu, six centimetres long with pale greens that glow in the light. Traditionally worn as ear or neck pendants, kapeu symbolise connection to whakapapa and were treasured as heirlooms. Finished with a white four-braid cord, this taonga carries a calm, flowing presence.
SOLD
60mm bright green Kahurangi Pounamu Roimata on silver chain. Highly translucent with white edge. Symbolises healing, strength, and flowing emotion.
90mm Roimata made from bright, highly translucent Kahurangi Pounamu. A mix of soft angles and natural stone skin, tumbled smooth to honour its original shape.
SOLD
These Kawakawa Pounamu earrings are carved in a long, flowing blade-like form, 55mm in length. The stone holds greater thickness at the top before tapering down to a fine, thin edge at the base. This creates a striking light effect, with the darker Kawakawa tones at the top fading into a lighter translucent glow toward the bottom. Dark natural inclusions move through the stone, giving each earring depth and character.
SOLD
A stunning 95mm Kawakawa Pounamu Toki and Roimata set, featuring rich green hues with cloudy patterning. Symbols of strength and healing. Click the link to see the full post and video of their creation.
SOLD
This 50mm Inanga Pounamu pendant features a beautifully carved koru, symbolising growth, new beginnings, and the cycles of life. The live edge on the back celebrates the stone’s natural origins, connecting its raw beauty with its crafted design. A meaningful taonga that honours both tradition and nature.
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The Kōuma represents strength, protection, and resilience. Carved from Kahotea Pounamu, this 70mm taonga carries deep green tones in a white-flecked base, secured with a black 4-braid cord. A powerful symbol of endurance and connection.
SOLD
Mangopare Kaha is a 60mm Hei Mātau carved from deep green Kawakawa Pounamu. The hook form symbolises safe journey, abundance, and connection to Tangaroa, while the mangopare (hammerhead shark) head at the tip represents strength, determination, and authority. Finished with a black lashing and cord, this taonga carries presence and meaning in a compact, wearable form.
