Akatore Niho Taniwha

Akatore Niho Taniwha is a taonga representing protection, strength, guardianship, and connection. Hand-carved by 16-year-old Māori carver Hemi Smiler Smith, this piece draws inspiration from the niho taniwha design, representing the power, wisdom, and protective nature associated with taniwha in Māori tradition.

The Niho Taniwha design celebrates the tooth of the taniwha, traditionally associated with strength, protection, and guardianship. This taonga honours the stories and significance of taniwha and their connection to our waterways, whenua, and communities.

Carved from genuine Akatore stone (Rhodonite) sourced from Akatore Bay, this taonga showcases the stone's distinctive natural colours and markings. Its beautiful variations of colour and texture give each piece its own individual character, making every carving unique. Formed naturally over time, the stone carries a connection to the landscapes of Aotearoa.

Every stage of the carving process is completed by Hemi with patience, purpose, and respect for the stone. From selecting and shaping through to grinding, polishing, and finishing, each step is carried out by hand with attention to detail.

The binding is hand-completed by Hemi himself using waxed polyester cord, carefully finished to create a strong and lasting connection between the stone and its wearer. This finished taonga represents the strength and protective symbolism of the niho taniwha design.

🔹 Material: Genuine Akatore Rhodonite
🔹 Stone Origin: Akatore Bay, Aotearoa New Zealand
🔹 Design: Niho Taniwha (Taniwha Tooth)
🔹 Meaning: Protection, strength, guardianship, and connection
🔹 Binding: Waxed polyester cord, hand-bound by the carver
🔹 Finish: Hand-polished to reveal the stone's natural colour, depth, and character
🔹 Carver: Hemi Smiler Smith, 16-year-old Māori carver
🔹 Origin: Hand-carved in Ōtautahi, Aotearoa New Zealand
🔹 One-of-a-kind: Natural variations make every taonga unique

Whether worn as a symbol of personal strength, gifted as a meaningful expression of protection, or treasured as a connection to Māori tradition and the natural landscapes of Aotearoa, this Akatore Niho Taniwha carries its own unique character and story.

Created with intention. Worn with meaning.

Exclusively available through Te Toki Toru Pounamu.