If you've ever held a piece of pounamu, you'll know there's something different about it. It has a weight and a coolness that feels alive. In Aotearoa New Zealand, pounamu greenstone, or jade is far more than a beautiful stone. It is a taonga of the highest order, carrying spiritual power, cultural identity, and the stories of generations.
What Is Pounamu?
Pounamu is a collective term for several types of hard, green stone found in Te Wai Pounamu the South Island of New Zealand. The name itself means "green stone" in te reo Māori, and the South Island's Māori name, Te Wai Pounamu, translates as "the waters of greenstone." The most prized varieties include kawakawa (a deep, leafy green), kahurangi (a rare, translucent blue-green), īnanga (a pale, milky green named after the whitebait fish), and tangiwai (a translucent, glassy stone sometimes called bowenite).
Pounamu in Māori Culture
For Māori, pounamu is not simply a material — it is a living taonga imbued with mauri (life force). According to tradition, pounamu belongs to Ngāi Tahu, the principal iwi (tribe) of the South Island, who are its kaitiaki (guardians). The stone was so precious that it could not be bought or sold it could only be gifted. To receive a piece of pounamu was to receive a piece of someone's whakapapa (genealogy) and mana (prestige).
Pounamu taonga were passed down through families over generations, growing in spiritual power with each new wearer. The longer a piece was worn and the more hands it passed through, the more precious it became. This is why antique pounamu pieces are considered among the most sacred objects in Māori culture.
The Shapes and Their Meanings
Pounamu was traditionally carved into a range of forms, each with its own significance:
- Hei tiki — a human-like figure representing fertility, good luck, and connection to ancestors. One of the most recognised symbols of Māori culture worldwide.
- Hei matau — a fish hook shape representing prosperity, safe travel over water, and strength.
- Koru — an unfurling fern frond symbolising new life, growth, and peace.
- Pekapeka — a stylised bat or bird form, associated with the spirit world and good fortune.
Each shape was chosen with intention, and the carving process itself was considered a spiritual act — the carver working in harmony with the stone to reveal the form within.
Explore our pounamu-inspired Pounamu Whētu Huggie 18KT Gold Plate earrings — a beautiful way to carry the spirit of greenstone with you every day.
Pounamu in Contemporary Jewellery
Today, pounamu continues to inspire Māori artists and jewellers across Aotearoa. At Little Taonga, our designs draw on the visual language of pounamu carving — the flowing curves, the organic forms, the deep connection to the natural world — rendered in sterling silver and gold. Designed by Ngāi Tahu and Rangitāne artist Cezanne Lyons, each piece carries the same cultural intention: to create taonga that connect the wearer to the stories and spirit of Aotearoa.
Explore our jewellery collections to find pieces inspired by this rich tradition.
Caring for Pounamu
If you are lucky enough to own a piece of pounamu, treat it with the respect it deserves. Keep it away from harsh chemicals, store it wrapped in a soft cloth, and wear it close to your skin — many believe that pounamu grows more beautiful and more powerful the more it is worn and loved.
Discover our full jewellery collection — each piece a small taonga, designed to be worn, shared, and treasured.