Tapatoru – Auhunga Pounamu

This latest taonga is a Tapatoru, carved from Auhunga Pounamu—a stunning stone with pale whitish-green hues, accented by a touch of orange skin at its base. There is a quiet strength in this piece, not just in its design but in the way it carries weight, both physically and symbolically. It is made for someone with the mana to wear it, someone who will carry its presence with purpose.

The Tapatoru (triangle) is a shape of stability, balance, and strength. It stands firm on its base, representing foundation and resilience, while its peak reaches upward, symbolising growth, determination, and ambition. The triangle can be linked to whānau—three points representing past, present, and future, or the interconnectedness of land, sea, and sky. Its geometric form speaks to structure, precision, and the unwavering nature of those who stand by their values.

A feature hole at the top allows for a two-point cord attachment, preventing the piece from spinning when worn. This small detail ensures that the Tapatoru sits with intention, always facing forward—just as its wearer moves forward with purpose.

This is a taonga of presence, a piece that commands attention not through boldness, but through the weight of its meaning and form. Auhunga Pounamu brings a softness to the strength of the Tapatoru, a reminder that true resilience carries both grace and power.