Rākai Jade

About

Rākai Jade contributes to three areas; retail, custom commission designs and 'Carve your own'

Story

'Ka whai ana e koe Te Ara ā Poutini' (You must follow The Path of Poutini'

New Zealand Nephrite Jade (Pounamu) is as rich in it's 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).

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 Māhaki ki Makaawhio, Kāti Mamoe and Kāti Waewae, ensure that the traditional reverence of this stone runs parallel with its modern material culture.

If you are looking to have a customized piece made for you, that special person or even, the Team at Rākai Jade are able to sit down with you and discuss the sentiment you want portrayed in a material form.

Rākai Jade offers a unique 'Carve your own" experience to its workshop visitors. Whether as individuals or as a group, you can carve your own taonga (treasured item) under the supervision of one of our skilled craftsman.

The Rākai Jade showroom displays a wide range of quality items crafted from New Zealand jade, for visitors to enjoy, or to purchase for their enjoyment with others. The team at Rakai Jade prides itself on a high level of artistic excellence, and their ability to convey traditional Māori ideals through contemporary application.

'Ahakoa he iti, he pounamu' (Although it is small, it is Greenstone)
Nau mai, haere mai! Come on down to 1234 Fenton Street, Rotorua.