On stone, and listening.
Hand-carved pounamu from Te Waipounamu. The varieties of the stone, the forms they take, and the meanings they carry.
Shaped by the River.
Every piece of pounamu carries its own whakapapa (genealogy). It is older than the rivers it rests in and harder than the steel used to shape it. My role as a carver based in Te Waipounamu is not to force a design upon the stone, but simply to listen to it.
I follow the natural grain, the subtle fault lines, and the inherent colour variations to reveal the form that is already waiting inside. Carving is a process of reduction, removing what is unnecessary until only the essential truth of the stone remains.
Varieties of Pounamu.
Pounamu is the lifeblood of the South Island. Over millions of years, the earth's immense pressure and unique minerals have birthed distinct varieties. Each type carries its own distinct character, named by early Māori for the natural world it mirrored.
Kawakawa
The strongest and darkest of the stones, defined by bold emerald hues and striking black flecks. Named after the native kawakawa plant.
Explore ArchiveKahurangi
Translating to 'precious possession', this is the lightest and most translucent of the stones, historically reserved for rangatira.
Explore ArchiveInanga
Named for freshwater whitebait, this variety possesses a pearly-grey appearance with soft, calming grey-green tones.
Explore ArchivePutiputi
Often referred to as Flower Jade, Putiputi showcases the richest greens enhanced by vibrant yellow and gold blooms within the stone.
Explore ArchiveTotoweka
Features a deep green base with vivid reddish-brown tints, historically likened to the blood of the native, protected Weka bird.
Explore ArchiveKōkopu
Named for the native trout, this diverse stone features a speckled texture shifting through tones of reddish-brown and blue.
Explore ArchiveRaukaraka
Defined by striking yellow and orange tones seamlessly blending into a green base. Named for the native Karaka tree.
Explore ArchiveTop of the South
Hailing from Te Tauihu, this collection includes the rare Nelson grossular garnets and the storied bowenite of D'Urville Island.
Explore ArchiveThe Weight of the Form.
Traditional Māori forms are philosophical vessels. When you wear a piece of carved stone, you are carrying a concept. These forms serve as physical reminders of our connections to the land, our ancestors, and our own inner resolve.
Hei Toki
The adze represents strength and determination. It is a reminder to carve your own destiny and navigate life's adversities with focus.
View FormsRoimata
The teardrop is a symbol of empathy and healing. It acknowledges shared sorrow and offers grounding energy during times of transition.
View FormsPorowhita
The closed circle represents the eternal cycle of life and nature, signifying the interconnectedness of all living things.
View FormsNiho
Modelled after the whale's tooth, this is a symbol of guardianship, speaking with authority, and the wisdom passed through your lineage.
View FormsBreastplates
Worn centrally over the heart, the breastplate is a spiritual shield representing powerful protection, status, and deep-rooted mana.
View FormsPito Cutters
A ceremonial tool representing the paradox of birth: the physical severing that simultaneously establishes spiritual grounding to the earth.
View Forms