If you're looking for a reason to buy something meaningful, and haven't quite made your mind up yet, read our top 10 reasons to gift. From supporting local artists, to the deep meaning associated to the stone.
Our Promise
Hand carved
Smooth lines, soft finishes, no scratches and no cuts.
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Wherever possible we use sustainable packaging.
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The Manaia is a guardian and protector.
The Manaia is a messenger and spiritual kaitiaki (guardian) of the sky, earth and sea.A greatly respected mythological creature in Māori culture, it brings balance and protection to those you love most.
Gift, with love
Every detail of our packaging is thoughtfully curated, from sustainable, low-ink, recyclable materials to personalised touches like mini-meaning cards and artist profiles. For an extra special touch, our Premium Gift Wrapping service means we wrap your piece in elegant kraft paper, tied with natural string and a woven jute ribbon.
Andrew McGregor
The artist behind this creationAndrew began his journey with jade and hard-stone carving in 2005. Carving pounamu has been a transformative and enduring journey for Andrew, guiding him on a path of self-discovery, and connecting him deeply with his heritage and homeland. As an artist of part Ngāi Tahu descent, originally hailing from the scenic West Coast of the South Island, he now resides in Christchurch where he works as a pounamu carver and artist.
What Manaia traditionally meant to Māori remains somewhat a mystery, but commonly it is considered that they are magical creatures and spiritual kaitiaki (guardians) of things worth protecting.
Manaia
Believed to be a messenger that moves freely between the spirit realm and the human world, the manaia is a mythological creature, greatly respected in Māori culture and a predominant motif in wood and greenstone carving. Māori culture is rich in pūrākau (legends), and within these legends, mythological, supernatural, and magical creatures are featured prominently, often acting as kaitiaki (guardians) of people or places worth protecting.