Pounamu: A Guide to New Zealand Greenstone

Pounamu is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most treasured natural materials. Admired for its strength, beauty and rich shades of green, it also holds deep cultural significance for Māori.

Whether you are choosing pounamu for yourself or as a meaningful gift, understanding its history and symbolism can make your piece even more special.

What Is Pounamu?

Pounamu is the Māori name for New Zealand greenstone. It includes several types of stone, with nephrite jade being the best known.

New Zealand pounamu is found naturally in the South Island, particularly on the West Coast. 

Every piece of pounamu is naturally unique. Its colour can range from a deep forest green to pale, milky green, with beautiful variations, markings and levels of translucency.

Why Is Pounamu So Special?

For generations, Māori have valued pounamu for both its practical uses and its spiritual importance. Because it is an exceptionally strong and durable stone, it was traditionally shaped into tools and weapons, including toki or adzes.

Pounamu was also carved into ornaments and treasured heirlooms known as taonga. These pieces could be passed from one generation to the next, gathering history, memories and meaning along the way.

Today, pounamu is still worn as a symbol of identity, connection and respect. It is often given to mark important occasions such as birthdays, graduations, weddings, new beginnings and other significant milestones.

Choosing the Right Piece

When selecting pounamu, consider more than just the traditional meaning of the design. Look at the stone’s colour, markings and shape, and choose the piece that feels right to you.

As pounamu is a natural material, no two pieces will ever be exactly the same. These natural variations are not imperfections; they are part of what gives each piece its individual beauty and character.

If you are choosing pounamu as a gift, you might select a design that reflects the recipient’s personality, journey or an important occasion in their life.

How to Care for Pounamu

Pounamu is strong and durable, but it should still be treated with care.

Clean it gently using warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and take care not to drop it onto hard surfaces as it will break. When it is not being worn, store it safely to prevent damage to the stone, binding, cord or silver fittings.

Avoid wearing a pounamu pendant while swimming in the sea. Salt water can gradually weaken and deteriorate the cord, causing it to break and putting you at risk of losing your precious greenstone. Check the cord regularly for signs of wear and replace it when necessary.

Over time, wearing pounamu allows it to become closely connected with its owner, gathering its own story and sentimental value.

A Meaningful Piece of Aotearoa

Pounamu is much more than a beautiful stone. It represents strength, connection, history and the natural beauty of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Whether it is chosen to celebrate a special milestone, given as a heartfelt gift or worn as a personal symbol, pounamu is something meaningful to treasure for many years, and perhaps one day pass on to the next generation.

Explore our collection of beautiful pounamu jewellery online or visit us in store at Souvenir Factory Shop, 32 Tauhinu Road, Miramar, Wellington.