Whakamānawa – A Family’s Connection

Creating a set of taonga Pounamu is always a meaningful journey, and this set, named Whakamānawa, holds a deep significance. The name, meaning “to honour,” reflects the bond shared by this family of five and the privilege of crafting these pieces from a single slice of Totoweka Pounamu.

Totoweka Pounamu gets its striking name, meaning “blood of the weka,” from the distinctive flecks of red that streak through its green depths. Traditionally found in South Westland, this stone features a rich, leafy green base accented with flashes of rusty red or brown when held up to the light. Its unique colouration symbolises strength and vitality, reminding us of the lifeblood that courses through the natural world. Totoweka’s bold beauty is perfect for carvings that embody connection to the land, resilience, and unwavering spirit.

The Whakamānawa set includes four toki and one manawa, each piece designed to reflect the family members while honouring their unity. The father’s toki features three notches along the edge, symbolising his three sons. The toki, rooted in tradition as a tool for carving and building, represents strength, leadership, and the role of providing for one’s family. Each of the sons’ toki reflects their individual growth and paths while tying them together through the shared stone and design. The mother’s piece, a delicate manawa, or heart, represents love and care. Like the father’s toki, it also features three notches to symbolise her sons and their deep connection.

This set carries additional significance as all five pieces were carved from a single slice of Totoweka Pounamu. For countless years, this stone had remained whole and connected. When the slab was first cut, I captured a photo of this moment—the first time it had been separated in a very long time. Although the pieces are now physically apart, they remain symbolically united through their shared origins. This unity mirrors the strength of the family’s bond, representing their connection to each other and the enduring spirit of the Pounamu.

Whakamānawa is a celebration of this family’s love, resilience, and connection. It has been an honour to craft these taonga, and I hope they will carry the family’s story forward as symbols of their unity and shared journey.

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