Te Tiaki Taonga — Caring for Your Treasures

Every piece carries its own beauty, meaning and story. With aroha and thoughtful care, your taonga can be protected and treasured for years to come.

Our care guide shares simple ways to clean, store and protect your pieces from everyday wear, helping preserve their beauty and mauri for generations.

PRODUCT TYPE:

Pounamu
Your pounamu is a taonga, made to be worn, loved and treasured. To care for your piece, avoid harsh chemicals, perfumes and cleaning products. Gently wipe with a soft, damp cloth when needed and store safely when not being worn.

Pounamu is resistant to everyday wear, but a hard drop onto concrete, tiles, stone, or another hard surface can chip, crack, or occasionally break it, particularly thinner or finely carved pieces. The cord, bindings, or fittings can also wear over time.

Traditionally, pounamu is handled and worn over many months and years. The natural oils from the wearer gradually become absorbed into the taonga, making each piece increasingly personal to the person who wears it.

If your plats become loose or torn within 1 year, please contact our store.

Kauri gum 
 • Avoid Solvents: Keep the gum away from chemicals, perfumes, hairsprays, and alcohol, which can damage or dissolve the surface.
• Protect from Heat: Do not expose kauri gum to extreme heat or direct sunlight (such as leaving it on a car dashboard in summer), as it can soften or crack.
• Limit Daily Wear: Avoid wearing kauri gum pieces during heavy physical activity or sports.
• Control Moisture: Wipe away dust with a soft, dry cloth. If a damp cloth is needed, dry the piece immediately so moisture does not cause cloudiness or degradation.
• Restore Fading: If the gum starts to look dry or faded, you can gently rejuvenate it using a small amount of olive oil.
• Buffing: Maintain its original shine by using a soft cloth and buffing in sideways motions rather than circular ones

Whale Bone
Bone is a natural, porous material that will change beautifully over time. As it is worn, it absorbs the natural oils from your skin, gradually developing a soft golden or warm honey tone. This is a completely natural part of the ageing process and adds to the unique character of your piece. 

When your bone carving is new, it will have been carefully polished to create a smooth finish. Regular wear and gentle handling will help maintain its natural sheen. You can also lightly polish your piece with a clean, soft cloth when needed.

Traditionally, bone carvings are handled and worn over many months and years. The natural oils from the wearer gradually become absorbed into the bone, making each piece increasingly personal to the person who wears it.

Over time, your taonga can become something deeply meaningful — a piece that carries memories, connection and whakapapa, and may one day be passed down as a treasured heirloom.

Monoï 
Due to its exclusive coconut oil composition, TIKI monoi solidifies at a temperature below 24°C, without altering its quality. Gentle warming will restore its liquid state.