Turangawaewae

Pounamu is a connector, it connects us with the things in our lives that we value, often they are people or places. It can connect us with our Turangawaewae, our place that we connect most strongly with, our place to stand.

This set does both. Koru represent significant people in their life, the two pendants from the same source connect the the two that will wear these. The wave symbol further reinforces that connection as well as a link with ocean.

The process starts with a conversation, some sketching, and in this case some modeling clay. Then selecting the right piece of pounamu.

Then comes the shaping and smoothing as it comes into reality. Then polish and lashing to finish.

And then the finished product.

Contemporary

Manawanui – Heart

The heart is a strong symbol of love. This one even more so as it has the Chinese symbol for love carved into the surface. Also with a fern carved on the back to strengthen the links with Aotearoa. This is a gorgeous piece of kawakawa pounamu from the Kaniere stream area, that shows some…

Koru | Roimata

Roimata Koru Whanau

This piece was made to connect the wearer with their whanau. The koru represents whanau and the nurturing environment it is. The 5 dots down the side represent their signifcant family members.

Contemporary

Three Baskets of Knowledge

I have the immense pleasure of sharing a story that is as speical as it is meaningful. It is the tale of a Taonga Pounamu, carved from the heart of South Westland, New Zealand, and carved into a symbol that carries the weight of centuries-old wisdom – the Three Baskets of Knowledge. This unique piece…

Hei Toki

9cm Flower Jade Toki

In the realm of pounamu carving, there’s a story that unfolds – a tale of transition and transformation, born from the heart of the earth and ultimately brought to life in the hands of the carver. This narrative begins with a unique stone known as the ‘flower jade’ or putiputi pounamu from the Marsden region,…

Contemporary | Roimata

Huia Feather

The huia, a now-extinct bird that was native to New Zealand, is remembered for its striking plumage and distinctive tail feathers. In Maori culture, the huia feather is a symbol of nobility, worn traditionally by high-ranking individuals. It is a physical representation of leadership and mana (prestige). Capturing this significance, an 11cm black jade carving…

Hei Toki | Koru

Hononga – Connections

I recently carved a special Toki from a stunning piece of Hapopo Pounamu, gifted to a good friend who embodies the essence of making connections with others. The stone is a bright green with darker swirls, showcasing the natural beauty of Hapopo Pounamu. This Toki is 6cm in length and features two koru carved into…

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