About Tekōhatu:

Ko Ngātokimatawhaorua te waka
Ko Whīria te maunga
Ko Waihou te awa
Ko Ngāpuhi-nui-tonu te iwi
Ko Ngāti Hao me Te Popoto ngā hapū
Ko Piki Te Aroha te marae
Ko Rāhiri te tangata
Ko Hiram ahau

Te Kōhatu means “the stone” — but for me, it’s always been more than that.
I’m Hiram Higgins, a Māori artist and carver, and every piece I create is a collaboration: my hands and skills, guided by your story and whakapapa.

This mahi is sacred. When you entrust your story to me, it’s an honour — and a responsibility I take seriously. My hope is that each taonga becomes a living link: between you, your whānau, our whenua, and our tīpuna.

My journey as a carver began not just with stone, but with a calling to keep our stories alive. I whakapapa to Ngāpuhi-nui-tonu, with roots in Whīria, Waihou, and connections to the whenua and awa that shape who I am.

Over the years, I’ve been privileged to carve for people across Aotearoa and beyond. What I’ve learned is this: the true value of taonga is in the connection — not just between carver and stone, but between carver and client, and from one generation to the next.

Every commission starts with a kōrero. We talk, we listen, and together we design a piece that means something real.
Each taonga is:

• Hand-carved (never mass-produced)

• Culturally grounded (honouring tikanga, whakapapa, and taiao)

• Made for your story (no two are ever the same)

I work with pounamu from trusted sources and, where possible, am always happy to carve taonga from your own whānau stone.

For me, carving is about connection — to our ancestors, to our descendants, and to each other.
A taonga is not just an object; it’s a vessel for memory, meaning, and mana.
When you wear or gift a piece from Te Kōhatu, you’re carrying more than stone — you’re carrying your story.

If you’re curious, have questions, or want to begin your own taonga journey, I invite you to reach out or book a kōrero.
I’d be honoured to work with you.