Te Wahi Pounamu - The Place of Greenstone - A book by Alfred Moreton

Te Wahi Pounamu, the place of Greenstone, is a book that recounts the history of Pounamu, how it got its name and where it was created. Its a book that describes in detail the varieties of greenstone that occur in the Jade fields of Westland, the South Islands West Coast of New Zealand.

The title page pays homage to the link between Maori and Pounamu, and a chapter is dedicated to a story told to Alf Moreton by Wally Tainui, this chapter talks about the place of greenstone. Most of the information shared within these pages is a personal account of things seen, things experiences and the people that Alf met during the 40 years he was involved in Greenstone.

When reading about likely locations of greenstone within this book, it must be remembered that in 1997 the New Zealand Government introduced the Vesting Act. This act placed protection over New Zealands "National Stone", including serpentine and all related minerals in what is known as the amphibole group of minerals.

There are still some places, such as Westland's beaches, where Greenstone hunters can keep what they find, but legally Ngai Tahu are the official custodians who own and protect what's left of this precious resource. Through their custodianship Pounamu will be preserved for future generations - Ake, Ake, Ake - for ever and ever.

Alf Moreton

Size 300 x 235 x 20 164 pages