ABOUT · MAKING OF SERIES · KAITIAKI
The making of
Kaitiaki
A mother's guardians carved in stone — the piwakawaka, the whai, and her children within.
FORM
Memorial headstone
OCCASION
In memory of a mother
HEIGHT
920mm
STONE
Ōamaru limestone
THE PROCESS
From sketch to completion
Click any image to view full size and flick through the sequence.
THE STORY
"I wanted something simple but unique — and the family had already given me everything I needed."
The family came to Brett with a clear sense of who their mother was and what should carry her memory. They asked for their kaitiaki — their guardians — to be present in the stone: the piwakawaka, the fantail, and the whai, the stingray. Two spirits. Two forms. One piece.
The design took shape through a number of conversations — about placement, proportion, and how each element would sit in relation to the other. Nothing was assumed. Every decision was made together with the family.
Within the whai, Brett carved a kowhaiwhai pattern — a decorative Māori design chosen specifically to represent the children. Their presence is woven into the stone through this pattern, held within the body of one of their mother's guardians.
The curvature of the stylised fantail presented a design challenge — the plaque could not sit flat. It had to follow the form. Brett curved the plaque to match, so that even the most practical element of the headstone feels like part of the sculpture rather than an addition to it.
ABOUT THE NAME
Kaitiaki means guardians. The piece takes its name from the spirits the family asked Brett to carry into the stone — the piwakawaka and the whai, the beings that watched over the woman they loved. The name belongs to the family. Brett gave it form.
DESIGN ELEMENTS
Piwakawaka — the fantail
One of the family's kaitiaki. The stylised fantail form gives the piece its overall curvature — and required the plaque itself to be curved to follow it.
Whai — the stingray
The second kaitiaki. Carved alongside the fantail and holding the kowhaiwhai pattern within it.
THE MATERIAL
Ōamaru limestone is a soft, warm New Zealand stone — hand-carved, not machined. It weathers beautifully outdoors and holds fine detail with care.
Available for delivery locally or shipped professionally anywhere in New Zealand or internationally.
Kowhaiwhai
A decorative Māori pattern carved within the whai — chosen by the family to represent her children, woven into the body of one of her guardians.
The curved plaque
Required by the curvature of the fantail form — shaped to follow the sculpture rather than sit against it.
"I love creating sculptures that reflect a special occasion, represent family and perhaps tells a story."
BRETT KENO · SCULPTOR · NEW ZEALAND