Poe Hitu means Seven Pearls. Today, it represents the seven members of our family who remain, our grandmother, our father, three sons and two daughters. Our grandfather began this journey, and our mother held the family together. Although they are no longer beside us, their knowledge, strength and values live within everything we do. Each of us carries a different part of the family craft from diving and caring for the oysters to selecting the pearls and shaping them into something new.Together, we are the seven pearls of Poe Hitu, carrying their legacy forward.
Mereana has witnessed every chapter of Poe Hitu. She preserves the memories, rituals and lessons that cannot be written down, reminding each generation that the lagoon must always be treated with patience and respect.
Teva learned the craft from his parents and has spent his life caring for the farm. Today, he guides the harvest and passes his knowledge to his five children just as it was once passed to him.
Taaroa leads the family beneath the surface. He inspects the oyster lines, reads the currents and coordinates every dive, carrying the responsibility for both his team and the fragile life growing throughout the lagoon.
Mana watches over the oysters throughout their years beneath the water. From cleaning their shells to checking each cultivation line, his careful work helps create the healthy conditions every exceptional pearl requires.
Moana navigates the family boat through the changing waters of the lagoon. He plans each route, supports the dives and helps bring every carefully tended oyster safely back to the family workshop
Hinatea examines every harvested pearl by hand. Her trained eye considers lustre, colour, shape and natural character, selecting only the pearls that meet the quality standards established by the generations before her.
Vaea transforms the family’s selected pearls into contemporary pieces and brings Poe Hitu’s story to the world. Through design and imagery, she connects sixty years of craftsmanship with a new generation.