Te Pua e Puāwai — The Flower in Bloom

This roimata was commissioned by a Nana for her granddaughter as she enters a new stage of life and begins the journey from childhood into womanhood.

At the heart of the design is a Tongan flower motif carved into the front face. For the family, the flower symbolises blooming, growth, and the unfolding of potential. It reflects a young woman coming into her own, discovering who she is, and stepping forward with confidence into the future.

The meaning of this taonga reaches beyond the wearer alone. It was commissioned with the hope that the love, guidance, and strength of the generations who came before her would continue to walk alongside her. Drawing from both her Māori and Tongan ancestry, this taonga acknowledges the connection she carries to her whānau and ancestors, and serves as a reminder that she is supported by those who came before as she finds her own path in life.

The roimata form complements that meaning beautifully. Often associated with reflection, resilience, and personal growth, it speaks to the experiences that shape us over time. Like a flower opening, growth happens gradually, through learning, challenge, and new opportunities.

Carved from Kawakawa Pounamu, this taonga measures 55mm in length. The stone displays the rich deep green colouring that gives Kawakawa Pounamu its name, recalling the leaves of the native kawakawa plant. Along one side, a band of pale green rind creates a striking contrast against the darker body of the stone. When held to the light, the edges reveal a gentle glow within the pounamu. The pendant is finished with a black roimata lashing.

Created as a gift from Nana to granddaughter, Te Pua e Puāwai is both a celebration and a reminder. A celebration of the young woman she is becoming, and a reminder to wear her heritage with pride, carry the love of her family with her, and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.