Rau – A Father & Daughter Carving

Rau means leaf, a symbol of growth, renewal, and connection to nature. Just as leaves change with the seasons, this taonga represents learning and transformation—both in the stone itself and in the process of carving it together. The natural shape, swirling patterns, and delicate translucency make it feel alive, as if holding a moment of light within the Pounamu.

My daughter played a big part in shaping and refining this taonga, and I was fortunate to be there to guide and share in the process. The end result is something truly special—a piece that not only reflects the beauty of the stone but also the time, learning, and connection that went into creating it.

Seeing this piece come to life was a reminder of how carving is as much about the journey as it is about the finished taonga. This Rau is a testament to the bond we built throughout the process, a shared experience of creativity, patience, and discovery. Every time the light shines through it, I’m reminded of the pride that comes from working together and the joy of passing on these skills to the next generation. It’s a taonga that holds our story within its translucent depths.