Caring for Your Pounamu

Rebinds and Repairs by Moko Pounamu 

Pounamu (New Zealand greenstone) is more than just a piece of jewellery - it’s a taonga (treasure) that carries deep personal, cultural, and spiritual meaning.


Whether gifted, inherited, or chosen for yourself, pounamu often holds significant connections to its wearer.   Over time, however, wear and tear can impact the cord or binding of your pounamu. That’s where we come in. At Moko Pounamu, we offer rebinds, repairs, and replacement cords to ensure your taonga remains wearable and cherished for generations.

 
Why Rebind or Repair?


Daily wear, exposure to the elements, and even accidents can cause damage to your pounamu bindings or cords. A frayed cord, loose binding,or missing loop can mean your taonga is no longer secure. Repairs protect the safety and longevity of your piece while restoring it to its full beauty and functionality.

 
What We Offer at Moko Pounamu 


We provide a range of professional repair and rebind services to suit your needs. Here’s how we can help: 


1. Pendant Rebinds  If your binding has become loose or frayed, we can expertly rebind your pendant, ensuring it is securely and beautifully tied. You can choose the colour for your cord from Black, Silver/Grey, Sage Green, Rich Brown or Caramel. You can also choose from the same colour range for the half hitch (the straight bind between the carving and the cord) which can be a different colour if you wish.


2. Pricing We have three prices for rebinds based on size: Small $40.00, Medium $50.00 and Large at $65.00.


3. Replacement Cord for DIY Repairs  If you prefer to handle your repairs yourself, we offer high-quality replacement cords  so you can rebind or restring your pendant at home.  If you like, you can add an extra cord to your order when you buy one of our strung pendants.


Why Choose Us? 


At Moko Pounamu, we treat every repair with care, respect and expertise.

  • Craftsmanship You Can Trust: With years of experience in designing and repairing pounamu, we understand the importance of each piece and ensure it is handled with the utmost care. 

 

  • Quality Materials: We use durable, premium cords and bindings to guarantee your taonga will last and stay secure. 

  • Cultural Integrity: All repairs are done with respect to tikanga Māori, honouring the spiritual and cultural value of pounamu. 

 


Tips for Caring for Your Pounamu 



  • Inspect Regularly: Check your cord and binding for wear and tear to avoid accidents. 

  • Gentle Cleaning: Use a soft cloth and warm water to clean your pounamu—avoid using chemicals. 

  • Store Securely: When not wearing your taonga, store it in a safe place to prevent damage or tangling. 

 

Let Us Help You


To organise a repair or purchase a replacement cord, simply visit the
Repairs and Commissions  section of our website. Whether you need a professional repair or a DIY replacement, we’re here to make sure your treasured pounamu continues to be a meaningfulpart of your life. 


At Moko Pounamu, we’re passionate about preserving the stories, connections, and beauty of every taonga. Let us help you honour andcare for your pounamu so it remains with you and your whānau for generations to come.

Moko Pounamu Knowledge Library

By Louise Wedlake June 10, 2025
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 in the water, West Coast of NZ
By Louise Wedlake April 22, 2025
Learn about the history of Pounamu and where it was discovered on the South Island of New Zealand - Te Waipounamu. This semi-precious stone is only found in the South Island, and most often in the rivers of the West Coast. Discover more about this taonga in our video series below.
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