Ngā Ūkaipō

This small Pikorua was carved as a symbol of connection and transition — a taonga to mark a powerful chapter in one woman’s life. Its name, Ngā Ūkaipō, speaks to the idea of having more than one place of belonging — honouring both where she has come from and where she is now planting her feet.

Carved from a uniquely coloured piece of Tangiwai Pounamu from Hokitika, this 4cm pendant has deep olive tones with soft clouding through it — rich and earthy, like the whenua itself. Tangiwai is the rarest form of Pounamu, traditionally known for its clarity and emotional depth. It’s a fitting choice for a piece that speaks of migration, belonging, and strength of heart.

The Pikorua, or twist, symbolises the bond between people and the journey they take together. For this couple, it marks the moment the wife gains her New Zealand Citizenship— a significant step in their shared path. The client is of Ngāi Tahu descent, and their children were given Pounamu by the iwi when they were born. This taonga continues that legacy, linking the whānau together through taonga Pounamu and grounding them in Aotearoa.

This was a beautiful piece to carve — small and feminine, but rich in meaning. A quiet but powerful reminder of the strength that comes from connection, and the new life they’re building together.

Ngā Ūkaipō speaks to the idea of having more than one place of belonging. It honours where she has come from, and where she is now planting her feet. A name that holds both her story and the story of her whānau.