He Arotahi ki ngā Uara: The Values That Guide us at Moko Pounamu

Here at Moko Pounamu, every piece of pounamu tells a story millions of years in the making. But the story doesn’t end when the carving is complete.

It continues with the whānau, businesses, schools and individuals who choose one of our taonga to mark their own special moment.

We believe that gifting pounamu is a profound act, one that deserves to be supported by deep knowledge, genuine care, and absolute integrity.

This belief is the foundation of our business, which is built on three core pillars that guide every interaction, both in our Christchurch shop and across the globe with our online whānau.

Ngākau Pono (Honesty): The Heart of Our Craft

For us, honesty begins with the stone itself.

"Our promise is simple: every piece of pounamu we offer is genuine Aotearoa New Zealand pounamu, sourced with respect for its cultural and spiritual significance," says Deane Moreton, founder of Moko Pounamu.

"We work directly with some of the country's most skilled and respected carvers, ensuring that the mana of the stone is honoured from the rivers of the West Coast to your hands."

This ngākau pono means we are transparent about the origins of our pounamu. It means we will gladly explain the differences between the shades of Kawakawa, Kahurangi, Īnanga, or Tangiwai.

It also means that if a piece isn't quite right for your needs, we’ll let you know and help you find the one that is. This commitment to authenticity is non-negotiable; it’s the foundation of the trust our customers place in us.

Ratonga Kiritaki (Customer Service): Your Journey, Our Guidance

Walking into our shop or browsing our website can feel like a big step. You’re often choosing a gift for a significant milestone, and we understand the weight of that decision.

The Moko team, led by Deane’s 40 years of experience, is here to be your guide. We don’t just process orders, we listen to your stories.

Are you celebrating a new birth? A graduation? A significant birthday? Acknowledging a lifetime of work?

This context allows us to share our knowledge and help you select a taonga whose symbolism aligns perfectly with your intention.

This dedication to ratonga kiritaki is what our international customers frequently mention in their reviews. They appreciate the prompt, personal responses to their enquiries and the knowledgeable guidance that makes them feel connected to Aotearoa, even from thousands of miles away.

We see every customer, whether in person or online, as part of our extended whānau, and we are honoured to play a small part in your journey.

Whakaute (Respect): For the Stone, the Craft, and You

Respect is the thread that weaves everything together at Moko Pounamu.

It is the whakaute we have for Papatūānuku (the Earth Mother) and the sacredness of the pounamu.

It’s the deep respect we hold for our carvers, whose hands and tools transform raw stone into a legacy. And most importantly, it is the respect we have for you, our customer, and the reason you are seeking to buy a taonga from us.

This means we treat every question with patience, every story with confidentiality, and every purchase with the care it deserves. We take the time to ensure you understand the meaning behind your pounamu, how to care for it, and the traditions it carries, fostering a connection that lasts for generations.

A Taonga is More Than a Purchase - It's a Partnership

When you choose to buy from Moko Pounamu, you are not just buying a product. You are entering into a partnership built on ngākau pono (honesty), ratonga kiritaki (customer service), and whakaute (respect).

You are benefiting from the collective knowledge of a team that is passionate about sharing the beauty and significance of Aotearoa’s most treasured stone.

We invite you to experience the difference these values make. Visit us in store for a conversation, or explore our collections online with the confidence that our team is here to support you.

He waka eke noa – We are all in this waka together.