Hei Tiki Pounamu Sculpture – Honouring Te Reo Māori

Carved by Jackson Ropata from dark-marble Kawakawa pounamu, this hei tiki chief features a figure with no mouth, honouring the challenges Māori faced in keeping te reo alive. Standing tall and commanding attention, the sculpture’s bright pāua-shell eyes lend presence and insight, while intricate body carvings celebrate whakapapa and ancestral strength. The figure is mounted upright on a stone base with a wooden back support, grounding it firmly in the whenua (land).

A symbol of resilience and cultural continuity, this taonga encourages speaking with aroha and upholding te reo for future generations. Display it to honour heritage, mark milestones, or inspire a deeper connection to language and tradition, a meaningful gift that uplifts the past while looking toward tomorrow.