Te Haeata

I have named this Roimata Te Haeata, which means The Dawn Light. It reflects the moment when darkness gives way to light — a time of transformation, clarity, and new beginnings. This name speaks to the journey held within this taonga, carved from Kahurangi Pounamu with stunning cloud patterns that bring the story to life.

Carved from beautiful Kahurangi Pounamu, this Roimata holds a deep connection to place and meaning. Within its soft greens and swirling cloud patterns is a story of walking through life’s struggles and emerging into something beautiful and strong.

The stone itself reminds me of a journey across the windswept ridges of Kahurangi, where cold southerly winds tore through the landscape, only to give way to sunlight breaking through the clouds — turning the world to gold and candy floss. That moment, where the storm breaks and light returns, is what this Roimata holds.

The Roimata shape has always been a symbol of release, healing, and connection — a form that reminds us to embrace grief and hold onto hope. In this piece, I have carved a koru into one side of the Roimata to symbolise new beginnings, growth, and the ongoing journey through life. It reflects how even in hard times, there is always potential for something new to grow.

The lashing is a tight black spiral, holding the stone strong and secure, just as we are held by those around us when we are facing challenges.

Te Haeata is a taonga that symbolises resilience and finding beauty in struggle — a reminder that even after the hardest times, light returns.