09 Feb 2026
For the eighth year running - and since its inception in 2018 - Mountain Jade have been selected to work with IRONMAN in delivering the pounamu toki finishers medals for this years Tarawera Ultramarathon 100 MILER event.
And this year is more exciting than ever for the Mountain Jade team as we have seven of our crew, taking to the start line!
In 2025, under the leadership of head-carver Tamaora Walker, five of our carving team took on the 21km - crossing the line and finishing the event as one. An incredibly powerful moment that ignited an already growing flame.
Inspired by the stories they’d heard from Tarawera athletes visiting the studio, the team began a mission to get fitter, stronger, and more connected. They’ve since launched a social media channel to document the journey - sharing the highs, the struggles, and the insights that sit alongside their craft.
It’s Tama’s steady influence that’s woven this wellness rhythm into our studio: strengthening tinana (physical) and hinengaro (mental) wellbeing to enhance wairua. And with Aldona Greupink - former elite swimmer and much-loved local swim coach - taking them to the pool twice a week, the commitment is embedded in weekly life.
Pictured (left to right): Tamaora Walker, Akapita Scally, Jason Vercoe and Foua Aliki Tuielu in 2025
From Early Beginnings
Our association with the event is long and well established.
Tarawera Ultramarathon founder Paul Charteris originally approached Brand Manager Rich Barter in 2017 with the idea of creating toki for a new distance - The MILER - a 100 mile (165km) version of the event. Paul and Rich knew each other through the Rotorua Trail Running Club.
“We were instantly on board,” said Rich. “An event like Tarawera, passing through this epic region and seen on the global stage, aligns perfectly with the deep cultural significance pounamu holds for us as Kiwis, and for this land. I can’t imagine a more fitting taonga for completing such a spectacular feat.
What we’ve seen in response to the toki has been phenomenal. People arrive from every corner of the globe to claim their pounamu - and many are in tears when they’re presented with it.”
Paul’s charisma and the infectious pull of this growing event drew Rich in. He has now completed Tarawera eight times, including the 100km twice and the MILER in 2021 - earning his own pounamu toki.
“Forget Christmas, forget my birthday. Tarawera week is the best week of the year, for me!” said Rich.
2026 - Bigger than ever for Mountain Jade
There is no slowing down for the carvers now. This year Tamaora, Akapita, Jason, Daniel and Foua Aliki Tuielu return, but this time to take on the 50km, in what will be the team's first official “Event Ultra”. While Dylan and our very own CEO Aaron Randell jump in, to take on the gruelling 23km event.
This takes our total involvement to seven participants - a record. The six carvers have all had a hand in producing this years 540 event toki. Look out for them on the course, in their distinctive green running tops.
It’s been a busy month. Tamaora is fresh from being recognised, this week, with a Highly Commended Award at the Rotorua Museum Art Awards 2026. Tama’s awarded work is inspired by the Tīrairaka (Fantail), carved from pounamu (New Zealand jade). Tīrairaka are deeply woven into te ao Māori (Māori worldview), often associated with movement, communication, and the unseen connections between worlds. See below.
While Akapita’s Tiktok channel, continues to see his reputation grow at pace, with hundreds of thousands of views and a global audience watching his art unfold. His reputation is rising well beyond Aotearoa, and his work is increasingly sought after by collectors who understand true craftsmanship.
We’re beyond proud that Mountain Jade doesn’t simply create beautiful pieces, we support artists of substance. Artists whose authenticity is shaped through whakapapa, discipline, and lived connection to the land and its stories. And the work they are producing, is taonga recognised by judges, followed by the world, and grounded in tikanga.
The Event Toki - 540 in total (yes, that’s not a misprint)
Last year, 340 amazing athletes complete the course. This year, Mountain Jade have been commissioned with producing an additional 200 toki, to ensure there are 540 toki - one for each participant on the start line. We hope every single one of you, make the finish line - you’ve got this! Go and earn that pounamu.
One of this years artist's Daniel Malcolm (above) works on sketching the pounamu toki outlines, before carving.
New Zealanders have a deep and strong connection with pounamu (greenstone or jade), while the toki is a symbol of mana and strength. For this reason, it's the perfect recognition for those who manage to overcome this epic feat of endurance.
The event takes place in Rotorua (in the central north island of New Zealand) over the weekend of 14-15th February 2026, with athletes required to complete the staggering 100 mile (165km) course, in 36 hours or less.
The race starts at 4am at Te Puia and as daylight breaks, traverses some of the most epic and beautiful landscape in the Rotorua region, before finishing on the Lakefront Reserve in the heart of Rotorua.
Mountain Jade artists, such as Mountain Jade's Daniel Malcolm (pictured above), Jason Vercoe and Dylan Hati, under the tutorship of Tamaora Walker, have carved and shaped the pieces that will forever connect athletes to this extraordinary achievement.
Worn as a symbol of strength, toki carries with it deep symbolism associated with mana, reverence, strength and overcoming adversary. The perfect way to honour those who complete this feat.
The pieces are ready to be boxed, and make their way to the finish line where athletes will be able to select their very own. Which stone will speak to you?
Mountain Jade at the official Race Expo
Mountain Jade will be at the official Race Expo - Lakefront Reserve Rotorua on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th February 2026.
Come and meet us and share your Tarawera stories.
And if you're running the MILER... maybe get a glimpse of what awaits you, at our Expo stand. Below are some pieces that have been carved especially for the event. We think you'll be pretty happy.
Mountain Jade also have two stores on Fenton Street in Rotorua. One is just a 450m walk from Lakefront Reserve, while the other (with our carving studio) is just 800m away.
So if you've competed at the event and not had a chance to visit us at the Expo, then bring those well-rested legs in and see us in store (open 7 days). We'd love to hear from you about your experience and share what pounamu means. You could even book on to one our tours, to see how your piece was made.
See you there!
