Knowledge Library

Every year since 1975, Aotearoa New Zealand has celebrated Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, also known as Māori Language Week. The theme of this year’s celebration is 'Kia Kaha te Reo Māori' – which means ‘Make the Māori language stronger.'

Gifting pounamu for Father’s Day is more than just giving a beautiful accessory - it’s offering a piece of Aotearoa’s heritage and a symbol of deep respect and affection.

Choosing a piece of pounamu as a gift for a valued customer, acknowledging the achievements of a staff member or rewarding members of your team is a powerful choice.

Whakatō Whetū! To plant stars is an expression of aspiration as young adults step fully into their mana. At 21, in the embrace of engagement, or at the threshold of marriage, these are the moments when identity crystallises and whānau bonds deepen.

Owen Mapp is a highly regarded bone carver from Aotearoa New Zealand. At Moko Pounamu we are privileged to have some of Owen’s collection of pieces for sale in our retail shop and online. We welcome anyone would like to come in to view the collection in person.

The arrival of a pēpi (baby) ignites any whānau with joy and a sense of connection. As we gather for their naming, tohi (dedication), or baptism, we seek taonga that embody our hopes and anchor them to their whakapapa.

As the Southern Hemisphere settles into winter and the nights grow longer, many New Zealanders have become familiar with watching for Matariki to signal the beginning of the Māori New Year - and a public holiday to enjoy with our families. But there's another celestial guide that deserves our attention, particularly here in the South Island: Puanga, the brilliant star that serves as an equally significant marker for this sacred time of year.

According to tradition, pounamu was born from Papatūānuku. Her tears of sorrow and joy flowed into the rivers of Te Waipounamu (the South Island) after her separation from Ranginui (the Sky Father). These tears crystalised into pounamu, imbuing the stone with her mauri (life force) and mana (spiritual power).

Pounamu comes in many shades and varieties. In this blog post we introduce you to all of the shades we work with, their names, where they usually come from and their characteristics. Read on.