Pounamu FAQs
Pounamu, often called New Zealand greenstone, raises genuine questions for a lot of people, from what it actually is, to whether it's okay to buy one, to how to look after it once you have it. We've grouped the most common questions below, and linked each one to the full guide if you want to go deeper.
Explore the Full Guides
Each FAQ below links to one of these in-depth guides. Here's the full map.
Meaning & Culture
Origins, symbolism, and tikanga around pounamu.
Types of Pounamu
Kawakawa, kahurangi, inanga, tangiwai & more.
Authenticity
How to tell if pounamu is real before you buy.
History & Origins
Where pounamu comes from, and how to find it.
Care & Wearing
Looking after pounamu, day to day and over time.
Buying & Gifting
When, why, and how pounamu is given and received.
Pounamu FAQs
Meaning & Identity
What is pounamu?+
Pounamu is a stone found naturally in Aotearoa New Zealand, most commonly a form of nephrite jade, and it is regarded as a taonga (treasure) in Māori culture. It is valued for its strength, beauty, and cultural significance, not simply as a decorative material.
Is pounamu the same as jade?+
Not exactly. Pounamu is a type of jade, specifically nephrite, but not all jade is pounamu. Jade is mined in many countries, while authentic pounamu comes specifically from New Zealand's South Island and carries cultural meaning that imported jade does not.
Is all greenstone pounamu?+
No. "Greenstone" is a general term for green-coloured stone used loosely worldwide. Some greenstone is genuine New Zealand pounamu, but much of the green stone sold in souvenir shops and online is imported and has no connection to Aotearoa or Māori tradition.
Where is pounamu found?+
Pounamu is found primarily in Te Waipounamu, the South Island of New Zealand, particularly along the West Coast. It has traditionally been gathered from rivers, coastal areas, and natural deposits rather than mined in the conventional sense.
Wearing & Cultural Respect
Can anyone wear pounamu?+
Yes. People of any background can wear pounamu. What matters most is wearing it with respect and an understanding of its significance, rather than treating it as a passing fashion novelty.
Do you have to be gifted pounamu, or can you buy it for yourself?+
Traditionally, pounamu is best received as a gift, since giving it carries meaning about the relationship between giver and receiver. That said, many people today buy pounamu for themselves, especially when purchasing directly from Māori carvers or reputable sellers. Doing so thoughtfully is generally seen as acceptable.
Is it disrespectful to buy pounamu as a tourist?+
No, not as long as it's done respectfully. Buying authentic pounamu from reputable New Zealand sellers, and taking the time to learn about its meaning, is generally seen as genuine appreciation rather than disrespect.
Authenticity & Buying
How can you tell if pounamu is real?+
Authentic pounamu comes from New Zealand, shows natural variation in colour and texture rather than uniform perfection, and is sold by transparent, reputable sellers who can speak to its provenance. Be cautious of any seller who is vague about where their stone came from.
Is pounamu a protected resource?+
Yes. Pounamu is a protected resource in New Zealand, and guardianship of most South Island pounamu rests with Ngāi Tahu under the Ngāi Tahu Claims Settlement Act 1998. Collecting pounamu from the ground without permission is not allowed.
Is pounamu expensive?+
Prices vary depending on the type of stone, its size, the craftsmanship involved, and its rarity. Authentic pounamu is rarely very cheap, so an extremely low price is often a sign of imitation stone or imported jade being sold as the real thing.
Care & Keeping
How do you care for pounamu?+
Pounamu is durable but still benefits from gentle care: clean it with water and a soft cloth, avoid harsh chemicals, and store it carefully when it isn't being worn.
Can pounamu be passed down through generations?+
Yes. Pounamu is often passed down through families, gaining history and personal meaning with each generation. Many treasured pieces become family taonga precisely because of this accumulated history.
Why is pounamu important in Māori culture?+
Pounamu represents strength, connection, and continuity, and has historically been used for tools, adornment, and gifting. It remains one of the most culturally significant taonga in Aotearoa today.