Trace my Pounamu
Your carving P200TYTZ is certified New Zealand Pounamu
Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu guarantees that your piece is carved from genuine Ngāi Tahu Pounamu
Your Toki
All Pounamu is sacred and highly valued by Ngāi Tahu, the most southern tribe of Aotearoa, New Zealand. Carving this sacred stone has been a cornerstone of our culture for hundreds of years and we are honoured that you have chosen to adorn yourself with this most sacred gift.
Traditionally a carving tool and weapon and, as a taonga representing strength, determination and courage.
Your Artisan
Westland Greenstone Limited Westland Greenstone Limited
Established in 1962 Westland Greenstone is one the leading pounamu carving and manufacturing companies working in the NZ tourism industry.
Based in Hokitika we employ a team of skilled carvers to produce a wide range of jewellery and accessories. Distributing our finished products through our own and other outlets nationwide.
Westland Greenstone has always concentrated on genuine NZ pounamu and is happy to work with Ngai Tahu as a member of its authenticity scheme.
Westland Greenstone is proud to be 100% NEW ZEALAND Owned.
www.westlandgreenstone.co.nz
Your Rawstone
Stone Reference:S1009AMJ
Size:560x250x125
Type:Kawakawa
Weight:49.800
Origin:Tai Poutini ki te Raki
Rūnanga:Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu
Kawakawa
This rawstone is Kawakawa, the darkest and strongest form of Pounamu. Its colour ranges from a medium green to a dark forest green, and is not typically translucent. It is named for the native kawakawa plant which traditionally used for its culinary and medicinal properties.
Endless combinations of Pounamu types occur, and no two pieces are the same guaranteeing that your Pounamu is unique.
Your Region
Tai Poutini ki te Raki
Your stone was sourced from the rivers of Tai Poutini ki te Raki, the northern region of the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. This area covers the rugged land just north of the Franz Josef glacier, up through the Westland towns of Hokitika and Greymouth.
This stone is a taonga (treasure) to Ngāi Tahu, and in particular the peoples of Te Tai o Poutini, the West Coast of the South Island where most pounamu is found and carved.
The stone began it’s journey here millions of years ago, the mountains of the Te Waipounamu forming in this time and, in doing so, pushing the narrow bands of earth containing Pounamu up to the surface. From here the action of rivers and glaciers released the stone from its host rock into screes, river gravel and glacial deposits.
This stone is now yours to protect, to treasure and, eventually, to pass on to the next generation.