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.
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.
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.
The Niho Taniwha design symbolises strength, guardianship, and the courage to stand firm in the face of challenge. Worn as a taonga, it represents the protective presence of a taniwha — a powerful kaitiaki that watches over the wearer and their journey through life.
This piece is carved from beautiful Inanga Kōkopu Pounamu, measuring 55mm long and an impressive 20mm thick, giving it a strong and grounding presence. The stone has a creamy pale green base with distinctive kōkopu patterning across the surface. A hidden lashing point through the top allows the taonga to sit cleanly on the cord while maintaining the bold, solid form of the carving.
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.
SOLD
Pekapeka Kaitiaki is 80mm across, carved from Raukaraka Pounamu with pale green and orangey-gold tones. It features bold pāua inlaid eyes on both sides and hangs from a harakeke-coloured cord. This taonga symbolises guardianship, adaptability, and protection.
Te Ao Mārama i Roto means “The World of Light Within.” The name reflects the remarkable way this kawakawa pounamu reveals its hidden beauty when held to the light. Although it is a substantial piece, it is incredibly translucent, unveiling swirling layers of deep and pale green within the stone. A natural white rind has been left around the base, creating a striking contrast and preserving part of the pounamu’s natural character. Measuring 70 mm long and suspended from a black cord, this hei toki represents strength, courage, determination, and the ability to shape your own path.
This 65mm Hei Matau, Te Ara Kaha (Path of Strength), is carved from beautifully translucent light green Pounamu with a deep green band running through it. The clean, flowing curves give it movement while keeping a simple, balanced form. The Hei Matau symbolises strength, safe passage, and the ability to provide and protect, making this a meaningful and steady taonga to wear.
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