Gifting a Pounamu Touchstone to the BrainTree Community
He Koha nā te Ngākau: A Gift From the Heart
In December 2025, amidst a gathering of community, caregivers, and team members, a new and serene presence was welcomed into the BrainTree whare.
BrainTree is NZ's first wellness centre for brain health that supports people living with neurological conditions to live well in the community.
On behalf of Moko Pounamu, founders Deane and Jennie Moreton gifted a substantial pounamu touchstone, crafted and installed as a permanent taonga for all who walk through BrainTree's doors.
This gift was more than a donation; it was a deeply considered contribution to the kaupapa (purpose) of an organisation that provides vital support and resources for individuals and families navigating life with Dementia, Parkinson's, and Multiple Sclerosis in Christchurch.
During the unveiling, Deane Moreton shared the whakaaro (thoughts) behind this unique taonga:
"At Moko Pounamu, we’ve spent many years working with taonga shaped by the whenua (land), the wai (water), and the passage of te wā (time). When Jennie and I learned more about the incredible kaupapa here at BrainTree, it felt right to contribute something that reflects strength, grounding, and connection."
The choice of a large, mounted touchstone rather than a small, handheld piece was intentional. As Deane explained:
"This is no small touchstone. It’s not the type you pass around or tuck into a pocket — it’s firmly anchored in this place. This pounamu is here to hold space. It brings calm, it brings grounding and it carries a quiet connection to the whenua beneath us."
He Taonga Whakamaumahara: A Stone to Hold Memory and Presence
A core Māori belief is that pounamu can absorb and hold wairua (spirit) and mana (prestige). This inspired a beautiful and inclusive intention for the stone's use within the BrainTree community.
"We encourage people to touch the stone. Pounamu has a beautiful way of absorbing the natural oils from our hands - our warmth, our wairua, our mana. Over time, that becomes part of the stone. It carries the presence of the people who connect with it, building a shared story and a sense of continuity within this space."
In this way, the touchstone becomes a living archive of connection. For individuals facing conditions that affect memory, it offers a tangible, calm point of focus. For whānau and staff, it becomes a symbol of collective strength and the enduring impact of their care and compassion.
He Mahi Tahi: A Collaboration of Craftsmanship
Bringing this vision to life was a true collaboration, honouring both the stone and its new home. Deane acknowledged the master craftspeople who made it possible:
"I also want to acknowledge the outstanding craftsmanship that made this installation possible: the team at Frontal Lobe, who created the beautiful wooden plinth, and the artisans at Flaxton Iron, who crafted the secure and elegant iron cradle. Their skill and attention to detail ensure this taonga stands proudly and safely in its new home."
This collaborative spirit mirrors the partnership and community effort at the very heart of BrainTree's own mahi.
Te Kunenga: The Lasting Intention
The touchstone was gifted with a heartfelt hope for its role. Deane concluded:
"So, on behalf of Jennie and myself, this touchstone is gifted to the BrainTree community as a symbol of connection, resilience, and partnership. May it stand here as a steady presence. May it add warmth to this space. And may it reflect the incredible mahi happening here every single day."
At Moko Pounamu, we believe in the profound connection between taonga and people. We are deeply honoured to have created a piece that will serve as a source of calm, grounding, and connection for the vital BrainTree community for years to come.
This project stands as a reminder that pounamu is more than an adornment; it is a stone of the land, capable of holding space, offering peace, and telling the story of a community’s strength, one gentle touch at a time.
If you would like to learn more about the meaningful work of the BrainTree community, you can visit their website.
To explore pounamu taonga that carry their own stories of connection, please take the time to browse our collections.
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