Patu

The Patu is one of the most iconic taonga in Māori culture — a short-handled weapon that carries deep significance as a symbol of mana, authority, and warrior heritage. Handcrafted from premium native New Zealand timber, each patu is shaped and finished to honour the traditional form while celebrating the natural beauty of the wood grain.

Whether displayed as a statement piece, gifted as a meaningful taonga, or held as a connection to whakapapa, this patu is a timeless expression of Māori identity and craftsmanship.

Available to Pattern (Commission)

These patu are also available to pātai — made to a specific pattern or design. Because each commissioned piece requires the right whakapapa to be imbued into the mahi, contact is necessary before placing a commission order. This ensures the work is done with the correct intention, knowledge, and care.

📩 Message us here to discuss a commissioned patu.

Out of Stock?

If your preferred rākau is currently out of stock, don't worry — we can make it to order. Message us here and we'll be in touch to arrange your order.

Choose Your Rākau (Native Timber)

Each patu is available in a selection of native New Zealand timbers. Your choice of rākau shapes not only the look and feel of the piece, but also its weight, density, and cultural resonance. Pricing reflects the rarity, hardness, and availability of each timber.

Please note: because every piece of timber is unique, the grain, colour, and character of each patu will vary naturally. No two are exactly alike — this is part of what makes each one a one-of-a-kind taonga.

• Rimu — A beloved native softwood with warm reddish tones and fine grain. Widely cherished and historically significant to Māori.
• Tōtara — Revered as a tapu timber, Tōtara was the preferred wood for waka and carvings. Durable, straight-grained, and deeply meaningful.
• Mānuka — Dense and hard-wearing, Mānuka is a tough, resilient timber — fitting for a weapon of this nature. Known for its strength and fine texture.
• Kānuka — Similar to Mānuka in hardness, Kānuka offers a slightly lighter tone and excellent durability, making it a practical and beautiful choice.
• Tanekaha — A fine-grained, hard timber with a pale golden hue. Tanekaha (Celery Pine) is prized for its workability and clean finish.
• Matai — A dense, dark-hearted native timber with rich character. Matai's strength and beauty make it a premium choice for taonga.
• Pōhutukawa — The iconic Christmas tree of Aotearoa. Pōhutukawa timber is rare, hard, and deeply connected to the coastal spirit of Te Ika-a-Māui.
• Rātā — One of New Zealand's hardest native timbers, Rātā is increasingly rare and carries a rich, deep grain that makes each piece truly unique.
• Kauri — Ancient and revered, Kauri is one of the most culturally significant timbers in Aotearoa. Its golden lustre and fine grain are unmatched.
• Black Maire — Exceptionally hard and dense, Black Maire is one of the heaviest native timbers — a formidable choice that honours the patu's warrior origins.
• Puriri — Among the hardest woods in New Zealand, Puriri is rare, slow-growing, and deeply tapu. A patu carved from Puriri is a truly extraordinary taonga.
• Akeake — Meaning "forever and ever" in te reo Māori, Akeake is one of the hardest and most durable native timbers — a fitting name for a lasting taonga.
• Swamp Kauri — Ancient Kauri preserved for thousands of years in the peat swamps of Northland. Swamp Kauri carries a rare, golden warmth and a depth of history that no living tree can match — a truly extraordinary choice for a taonga of this significance.

About Māori Ora

Each piece is crafted with care and intention, honouring the traditions of our tīpuna while bringing premium Māori taonga to the world. Every patu leaves our hands with the right whakapapa, the right mahi, and the right heart.