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).
Matariki 2026 invites all people – regardless of background, culture, or belief – to come together.
The cluster of stars known as Te Waka o Rangi (The Canoe of the Sky) connects us all. It is a reminder that we navigate these waters together, moored by shared values of unity, inclusion, and mutual care.
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).
We have partnered with the Crusaders and the Crusade with Heart Foundation to create a taonga that embodies the very best of what it means to show up for one another.
In December 2025, Deane and Jennie Moreton gifted a pounamu touchstone, crafted and installed as a permanent taonga for all who visit the BrainTree Wellness Centre.
Discover the remarkable 1840s attempt to export pounamu overseas. A true story of Ngāi Tahu knowledge, early trade, and New Zealand’s first mineral export.
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.
