This piece was a passion project for a close friend of 20 years. The inspiration behind the piece was our shared love for nature and hiking–and in particular a specific memory of a hike we did to Maniniaro (Angelus Peak) on Boxing day a few years back. This maunga (mountain) seemed like a very appropriate symbol to reflect the strength of our friendship and where it all began.

The maunga part of the taonga was carved from Pakohe from the Pelorus river and the lake is Tangiwai from the Takaka river. The piece has been suspended from a 4 plait cord hidden in the back of the taonga.