Hei Matau – Symbol of Protection, Strength & Safe Passage

Carved from pounamu into the shape of a fish hook, the Hei Matau pendant carries the mana of the moana, granting protection on every journey, strength in every challenge, and prosperity to those who travel afar or provide for their whānau and loved ones.

Toitū te marae a Tāne, toitū te marae a Tangaroa, toitū te tangata.

When the domain of Tāne —the forests— is cared for and the domain of Tangaroa —the sea— is protected, the people will thrive.

A Hook Carved from Legend

In kōrero tuku iho (ancestral stories), the demigod Māui fashioned a hook from his grandmother’s jawbone and used it to haul up Te Ika-a-Māui—the North Island of Aotearoa. From that moment, the matau (hook) embodied determination and resourcefulness. Today’s Hei Matau pendant continues this legacy, offering courage, good luck, and protection over water to those who wear it.

Protector & Provider

Those who wear a Hei Matau are often seen as kaitiaki—guardians and providers who gather kai (food), guide their people and meet life’s challenges head-on. The hook form honours the reciprocity between humankind and the ocean, reminding us that bravery and stewardship must travel together.

“I gifted a Hei Matau pendant to my partner before he flew overseas—he wears it every day and says it keeps Aotearoa close while giving him a real sense of protection on his journey.”

— Kiri (customer)

Crafting the Hei Matau

Early Māori carvers bored the lashing hole using a tuwiri—a hand-spun drill tipped with sharpened stone or shark tooth. Today, in our whānau workshop in Arrowtown, fine diamond drills make the task more efficient, yet the patience and reverence for the stone remain unchanged. Each Hei Matau pendant is carefully shaped, sanded, polished to a high gloss, and finished with a traditional hand-lashed binding.

When to Gift a Hei Matau Pendant – Meaning, Occasion Ideas & Symbolism

New Journeys
Farewell loved ones moving overseas, travelling, or taking on a new adventure, keeping Aotearoa close and offering protection wherever they go.

Everyday Milestones
Celebrate new chapters—graduations, new jobs, or personal achievements, with a symbol of courage and good fortune.

Life Challenges
Gift strength and perseverance to someone navigating tough times, major changes, or personal challenges.

Whānau Guardians
Honour parents, grandparents, mentors, or anyone dedicated to nurturing, protecting, and guiding their whānau.

No two pounamu hei matau stones are alike, the natural variations in colour, translucence and grain make each pendant a one-of-a-kind treasure of Aotearoa.

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FAQs

Carved from pounamu into a stylised fish-hook, the Hei Matau carries the mana (prestige, power) of Tangaroa, atua (guardian) of the sea. It symbolises protection on every voyage, strength through challenge, and prosperity drawn from the ocean’s abundance. That makes it an ideal gift for someone heading overseas, working on the water, or providing for their whānau (family)—a daily reminder that Aotearoa travels with them.

This taonga (treasure) can be worn by kāne (men), wāhine (women), and rangatahi (young people). Ocean lovers, surfers, boaties, new graduates off on an OE, parents, mentors, and other kaitiaki (guardians) all resonate with its message of safe passage, resilience, and care.

We leave that decision with you. Your pendant arrives cleansed but unblessed, so you can follow the tikanga (custom) that feels right for you or the person receiving it.

Many people like to offer a simple blessing—especially when the taonga is a gift—while others prefer to begin wearing it straight away and let its meaning grow naturally over time. There’s no single right way. Follow whatever feels respectful and comfortable for you. If you’d like to include a blessing, the suggestions below can help guide the moment.

Awa (Water) Blessing

  • Find flowing water such as a river, stream, or the sea.
  • Hold the pendant in the current and speak a simple wish in your own words (e.g., “May this taonga keep you safe on every journey”). Let the water wash over it for a few moments, then dry it gently.

Shared Intention

  • Hold the pounamu together with the recipient.
  • Voice the hopes you have—protection, strength, safe passage.
  • This shared moment of intention is a blessing in itself.

Karakia with a Kaumātua

  • Ask a local kaumātua (elder) or visit a marae.
  • They can offer a short karakia (prayer) and guidance on caring for the stone.

Whichever path you take, or if you decide to skip a formal blessing entirely, the pounamu will carry the meaning and respect you give it.

Āe (yes). Throughout history pounamu was both traded and gifted. Choosing a piece for yourself is a powerful act of self-care, connecting you to the wairua (spirit) of Aotearoa and the generations who have treasured this stone.