My latest creation, the Whānau Tahi Toki (United Family Toki), is made from the unique and stunning Douglas Creek Pounamu. This piece, commissioned as a wedding gift, symbolizes the unity of two families coming together in love and harmony. Designed to be displayed as a sculpture, its intricate details and profound meaning make it a…
This is the piece that I decided to start with. It is a piece of Flower Jade from Marsden. I have made 3 pieces from this so far and am still… working on one more. The first piece was a bit of a trial just to see what shaping the stone would be like. I…
This toki was made for a sons graduation. A reminder of the achievement he has accomplished and the respect he has earned.
The toki, a traditional Māori adze, holds a significant place in Aotearoa’s history. More than just a tool, the toki was essential to Māori life pre-colonization, used for shaping wood for everything from waka (canoes) to whare (houses). It symbolized strength, authority, and connection to ancestors and the land. I am honored to present “Toki…
The Toki pendant, named ‘Awa Atua’, draws its inspiration from the divine rivers that carve through Aotearoa, shaping the land with their relentless flow and nurturing spirit. This name, translating to ‘divine river’, beautifully encapsulates the essence of this piece—the continuous journey of life and the spiritual connection we share with nature. This Toki is…
I recently completed Toki Whakatipu, an 8cm-long commission carved from deep green Kawakawa Pounamu, as a gift for a couple getting married. This piece is a companion to the Mātau Whakatipu, which I created earlier as a symbol of growth and new beginnings. Together, these taonga form a meaningful set, each complementing the other in…
