Andrew Dubber     

Carved from greenstone

I turned 40 back in September, and I had an amazing time doing it. I received one of the best presents of my life and a real fuss was made of me.

The best thing about this birthday is that it still seems to be going on 8 months later. Last night, my sister gave me the one remaining gift from her, my other sister and my parents – and it’s sort of a companion piece to my tattoo.

It’s a one-off, custom designed, hand-carved greenstone (NZ jade) pendant, called a pounamu. It’s based on a fish hook design (hei matua), which traditionally has to do with protection for travel over water.

I met with the designer and chose the stone back in December. We spoke about all of the symbolism of the tattoo, and although I wanted it to have a similar core shape, I wanted the design to be distinct.

It may not be permanent in the same way as the tattoo. I can take it off. But in a way, it’s more so. This thing is thousands of years old, and will certainly outlast me. And like the tattoo, you’re unlikely to find me without it from this point on.

The people who ask me ‘Oh, are you Australian?’ will now have no excuse.

Thanks, guys – it’s awesome.

Tagged: New Zealand, Personal