Region Guide
Pounamu in Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau
Auckland is New Zealand's largest city and a vibrant centre of Māori culture, art, and contemporary design.
With strong connections to many iwi, Auckland plays an important role in showcasing pounamu (greenstone) carving and jewellery.
While pounamu is not naturally found in the North Island, it has been widely traded and treasured across Aotearoa for generations as a sacred taonga. In Auckland, it holds deep cultural significance and is commonly crafted into jewellery and carvings that reflect identity, whakapapa, and personal meaning.
Today, Auckland is home to numerous pounamu artists, Māori galleries, and greenstone jewellery stores. Visitors can explore a variety of authentic pounamu pieces, often made from South Island stone, and in some cases experience carving demonstrations or connect directly with local artists.
Pounamu Carvers, Galleries & Shops in Auckland
The Auckland region is a vibrant hub for pounamu (greenstone) carving, jewellery, and contemporary Māori artistry. While pounamu is sourced from the South Island, Auckland is home to a diverse community of skilled Māori carvers, artists, and galleries showcasing authentic greenstone taonga.
Across areas such as the central city, Ponsonby, and Parnell, visitors can find a wide range of pounamu jewellery stores, carving studios, and Māori art galleries. These spaces feature both traditional and modern designs, with many artists creating handcrafted pieces that reflect cultural identity, storytelling, and connection to whakapapa.
CarverJade Pebble
Whau, Auckland
Auckland-based jade artist creating elegant pounamu jewellery and minimalist greenstone taonga handcrafted with precision and respect for tradition.
View Listing
CarverChristopher Mitch
Waitematā, Auckland
Auckland jade carver specialising in bespoke pounamu jewellery and contemporary Māori designs, offering handcrafted pieces with cultural integrity.
View Listing
CarverTe Rito Maori Arts
Waitematā, Auckland
Te Rito Pounamu offers handcrafted pounamu jewellery and authentic New Zealand greenstone carvings, celebrating Māori artistry and West Coast jade traditions.
View Listing
GalleryKura Gallery
Waitematā, Auckland
Contemporary Māori art gallery featuring pounamu alongside other indigenous art and design, and a licensed Toi Iho stockist for authentic Māori arts and crafts.
View ListingCommon Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Pounamu in Auckland
No. Pounamu is only found naturally in the South Island, mainly along the West Coast. Pounamu sold or carved in Auckland has been brought up from those South Island sources and worked by local artists.
Auckland is home to a number of pounamu artists, Māori galleries and greenstone jewellery stores. Check the listings above for current carvers, galleries and shops in the region.
Ask the artist or retailer where the stone was sourced and who carved it. A reputable seller will be transparent about provenance. For more detail on spotting genuine pounamu, see our full authenticity guide.
There's no such thing as Auckland pounamu; the stone itself only comes from the South Island. Pieces carved or sold in Auckland are the same New Zealand greenstone found everywhere else in the country, often shaped by local Māori artists into jewellery that reflects identity and whakapapa.