Ko Wai Mātou
Our Story
We met through the Pounamu in 2002 and this relationship with the taona has continued to grow.
Our 3. tamariki were born into the Pounamu and all contribute with the mahi (work) we undertake.
Transference of this mātaurana (knowledge) migrates to the next generation and we are very passionate for this legacy to continue.
Toitū te whenua
Toitū Hawaiki....
Te Ika Taukārapa
Our kāina (home) is situated in te rohe oo Mataatua.
We practice tikana Tūhoe working around the Taona Pounamu, which includes keeping our Taiwhana Pounamu (workspace) neutral, no eating or drinking within our workspace.
We also whakawātea all taona before they leave us. This is where we clear the taona to leave the healing protection of Poutini and the mana of the Pounamu.
We sell our work via our website, we also have a small selection in some art galleries.
We pride ourselves in helping create taona that honours the beauty of pounamu and sharing some of the whakapapa kōrero we have learned while spending time with this ancient tīpuna (ancestor) from the Ao Kōhatu the world of stone.
These shapes have a story leading us back to the environment.
"ka whakairo nā kupu ki te HineNaro
Orooro Pounamu ana e puta te ahua o te taiao"
Te Kaha
Te Kaha is a master pounamu practitioner, educator and spokesperson who has honed his skillset and craft over three decades. His repertoire includes hei tiki pounamu, hei taona, mere pounamu, patu pounamu, patu onewa, and large scale toki and hei matau.
Te Kaha’s pounamu pieces have gained a reputation nationally and internationally for their beautiful finish, balance and mauri. His pounamu are held in private collections in Aotearoa and overseas.
Te Kaha has worked extensively overseas in Europe, Asia and the UK as well as in Aotearoa presenting wānana pounamu and exhibiting his collections. Over the long decades of his work he has developed his knowledge base of pounamu, and in particular, hei tiki pounamu, through wananga with kaumātua and tohuna. He has also examined collections in museums across Aotearoa and overseas and also private collections in Aotearoa, Hawaii and Europe.
After creating, researching and facilitating wānana pounamu both nationally and internationally over many years, Te Kaha is able to share mātaurana that has been entrusted to him and offer learning experiences that are unparelled in his field in the world today.