The World Of Pounamu

At Moko Pounamu, we believe in the power of pounamu to carry deep meaning and support causes that truly matter. In 2026 we’re proud to again partner with I Am Hope to create a special pendant and raise funds for counselling young New Zealanders.

The rivers of Te Tai Poutini have been carrying pounamu to the surface for thousands of years. Long before anyone carved it, shaped it, or wore it close to their skin, the stone was already on its journey. At Moko Pounamu, we believe our job is to honour that journey.

This September, we're celebrating Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week, 14-21 Mahuru). The focus this year is on Tāone Reo Māori (Te Reo Towns), a call for communities across Aotearoa to make te reo visible, heard, and used in everyday life.

Buying pounamu for yourself? You're investing in a taonga for future generations. Learn how to choose and care for pounamu that will become a cherished family heirloom.

One of the things we often suggest to customers in our greenstone shop, is to pick the perfect piece of greenstone for themselves by seeing what they are drawn to and encouraging them to hold more than one piece to see if it feels right for them.

For businesses across Aotearoa, sourcing gifts that are meaningful to the recipient and genuinely memorable can be difficult. Pounamu, with its cultural significance to Aotearoa and natural beauty, is a taonga that makes a perfect gift.

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).