Ko Wai Au — Who am I?
Jewellery inspired by the whenua, stories and traditions of te ao Māori.
Tēnā koe, nau mai, haere mai!
I te taha o tōku pāpā
Ko Ngātokimatawhaorua te waka.
Ko Ngāpuhi me Ngāti Whātua ngā iwi.
Ko Te Parawhau te hapū.
Ko Wairua te awa.
Ko Tangihua te maunga.
Ko Tangiteroria rāua ko Korokota ngā marae.
I te taha o tōku māmā
Nō Kōtirana au.
Ko Haliburton, ko Thomson, ko Sim ngā whānau.
Ko Heeni Tito tōku ingoa.
Welcome
I’m Heeni, and I live in Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington).
This jewellery collection began with a simple idea: to create pieces that carry a sense of belonging. I’ve always loved bold, chunky jewellery, but I wanted to wear taonga (treasures) that reflected where I come from and the places that have shaped me.
That curiosity led me to experiment with 3D design and topographic mapping. From there, the idea grew into creating jewellery that captures the unique forms of our whenua (land). I began with some of Aotearoa’s most recognisable maunga (mountains) — Hikurangi, Ruapehu, Taranaki and Aoraki — transforming their landscapes into pieces that can be worn and treasured every day.
A Personal Connection
For me, these designs are deeply personal. When I look down and see the familiar silhouette of Ruapehu on my hand, and run my fingers over its textured landscape, I’m transported back to childhood memories of growing up in Taupō and feeling connected to the whenua that raised me. Wearing these pieces reminds me where I come from, and that sense of connection feeds my soul.
I hope these taonga offer that same feeling of connection for others. Whether it’s your maunga, your hometown, or a place that holds special memories, each piece tells a story that is uniquely yours.
Made in Aotearoa, Made to Last
Supporting local craftsmanship is incredibly important to me. Every piece is handcrafted here in Aotearoa, New Zealand, using quality materials and made to order with the intention that it will be worn, loved, and passed down for generations.
Have a question, or want to know more about a piece? I’d love to hear from you.
Get in TouchNgā mihi nui ki a koe,
Heeni xx