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Taonga Tuku Iho | Our Work
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Te Iho | Our Story
New Zealand Pounamu
Narratives that tell of its origin. It is from these stories that the artist collective of Rākai Jade was formed, a group of passionate and focused carvers based in Rotorua. Our aim through research and design knowledge is to create Taonga that transcends generations.
New Zealand Nephrite pounamu is as rich in its unique quality and contrasts, as the traditional Māori narratives that tell of its origin. One such tradition tells of Poutini the ancestor, fleeing from the pursuit of Hinetuahoanga (the personification of Sandstone).
He Kakano
| Where it Began
Te Ara ā Poutini (The path of Poutini) begins at Tūhua (Mayor Island) through the central volcanic plateau of Te Ika ā Māui (North Island of New Zealand) to Te Wai Pounamu (South Island of New Zealand) The West coast of New Zealand (Te Tai o Poutini) holds the largest concentration of pounamu in New Zealand.
Pounamu remains a prized resource today where its hereditary guardians from Kāti mahaki ki Makaawhio, Kāti Mamoe and Kāti Waewae, ensure that the traditional reverence of this stone runs parallel with its modern material culture.
Whaia Te ara ō Poutini
Follow the path of Poutini