New Zealand Pounamu Guide
Your Pounamu is a treasure to protect and draw strength from - to be taken care of and passed from one generation to the next. The bond you forge with the stone is both unique and enduring.
Tiki - Inspired by Legend
According to Māori legend, Tiki was the first man on Earth — a celestial being who came from the stars. Worn close to the heart, Hei Tiki (Tiki necklace) is believed to bring good fortune and protect its wearer from evil spirits.
Tiki is a guardian. A guide. A symbol of strength, resilience, and love. It speaks of ancestry and belonging — of those who came before and those still to come. A reminder that wherever you go, you are never alone.
Koru - Symbol of New Beginning
The Koru, meaning “loop” in Te Reo Māori, is inspired by the unfurling frond of the native silver fern. Its graceful spiral shape symbolises the circle of life — a continual movement returning to the origin.
Deeply rooted in Māori culture, the Koru represents new beginnings, personal growth, and renewal. It speaks to hope, purity, and the nurturing energy that surrounds a fresh start. A powerful emblem of peace and transformation, the Koru reminds us of the beauty in change and the strength in starting anew.
Toki - Carved with Purpose
The Toki, traditionally shaped like an axe head, holds deep significance in Māori culture. Originally crafted from stone or pounamu (greenstone), it was a vital tool for carving, building, and survival — a cornerstone of customary daily
life.
Over time, the Toki has come to symbolise strength, determination, and leadership. Today, it’s worn as a powerful emblem of focus, control, and honour — a reminder of resilience and the unwavering purpose it takes to forge your own path.
Pikorua - Eternal Connection
The Pikorua — or twist — is inspired by the intertwined pikopiko fern, symbolising the endless paths of love, loyalty, and friendship. With no beginning or end, it represents an unbreakable bond.
Traditionally exchanged between tribes, it’s now a powerful symbol of connection — perfect for lovers, newlyweds, or anyone wishing to honour a lasting relationship. Double and triple twists extend this meaning to unity between families, cultures, and communities.
Hei Matau - Guided by the Sea
The Hei Matau — or fish hook — is a treasured symbol in Māori culture, deeply tied to the ocean. As skilled fishermen, Māori valued the sea as a vital food source, making a high-quality hook a prized tool.
Over time, it came to represent prosperity, abundance, strength, and respect for the ocean. Worn for protection and good health, the Hei Matau is also believed to bring good luck and safe passage over water — a powerful symbol of connection, authority, and the journeys we take.
Kuru – Grounded in Strength
The Kuru is a traditional drop pendant, often seen as a touchstone for reflection and mindfulness. Its smooth, elegant form represents a deep connection to the Whenua (land) of Aotearoa, grounding the wearer in a sense of place and purpose.
Traditionally carved from pounamu (greenstone), the Kuru is worn to inspire knowledge, confidence, and independence. Simple yet powerful, this design carries a quiet strength — a reminder to stay rooted, grow wiser, and move forward with clarity.
