Kuru Pounamu

Kuru Pounamu is the stone carving practice of Dean and Ivana, a husband and wife team who create and promote genuine Māori art. They specialise in pounamu jewellery, and also work with other sacred stones of Aotearoa, including ōnewa (greywacke), pakohe (argillite) and tahanga (basalt). Every piece is unique and draws inspiration from traditional Māori design and art forms.

Dean and Ivana have worked together for more than three decades. Their shared passion for indigenous art grew while they managed a gallery in Devonport, Auckland, and led them to open their own gallery in Rotorua before focusing on carving full time as Kuru Pounamu.

Kuru Pounamu is part of a collective of Māori artists, and alongside their own stone work, they promote and supply Māori art carved in wood, bone, stone and whalebone. Their work is also stocked by The Poi Room in Auckland. Pieces can be ordered by contacting them directly.