The World of Pounamu
Discover the Beauty, Significance, and Legacy of Pounamu
This section of our site is dedicated to sharing the rich cultural heritage, significance, and beauty of Pounamu, also referred to as greenstone.
We intend it to serve as a knowledge library to help understand the importance of this taonga in Te Ao Māori and its enduring legacy in Aotearoa (New Zealand).
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).
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.
Discover the significance of blessing your Pounamu with our guide. Learn about the traditions around blessing Greenstone at Moko Pounamu in New Zealand.
In our latest blog, we explore the origins of hei toki, its profound meaning, and the variations crafted by our skilled artisan carvers.
As the countdown to Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga 2025 begins, the excitement is palpable. This biennial festival, often referred to as the "Olympics of Kapa Haka," is a celebration of Māori culture, artistry, and tradition.
