Pounamu is one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most treasured taonga. Formed over millions of years within the mountains of Te Waipounamu, each piece is unique in its colour, pattern and character. No two stones are ever the same, making every carving and piece of jewellery as individual as the person who wears it.

At Westland Greenstone, we are proud to offer an extensive collection of authentic New Zealand pounamu, handcrafted into taonga that celebrate traditional artistry alongside contemporary design.

A Taonga of Te Tai Poutini

When Māori first arrived in Aotearoa, they soon discovered pounamu and recognised the extraordinary value of this beautiful and exceptionally hard stone. Its strength and durability made it ideal for crafting tools and weapons, while its beauty saw it shaped into treasured taonga and jewellery to be worn, gifted and passed down through generations.

Pounamu is found throughout Te Waipounamu, the South Island, historically associated with Te Wai Pounamu — “the greenstone waters.” Its most significant deposits are found on Te Tai Poutini, the West Coast, giving this place an enduring connection with the stone.

As pounamu became increasingly prized, it became an important resource for trade and a highly valued possession among Māori. The rich deposits of Te Tai Poutini were of particular significance, and Ngāi Tahu fought to gain control of the West Coast and its valuable pounamu resources.

For Westland Greenstone, based in Hokitika at the heart of Te Tai Poutini, this connection to place is an important part of who we are. The pounamu we work with is more than a beautiful natural stone; it carries with it a history and significance that stretches back generations.

Authenticated by Ngāi Tahu

Authenticity is at the heart of everything we do.

Every piece of pounamu sold by Westland Greenstone is sourced from New Zealand and authenticated by Ngāi Tahu, providing confidence that the stone is genuine New Zealand pounamu.

Each purchase is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, providing assurance of its provenance and giving you confidence in the taonga you are purchasing.

When you choose pounamu from Westland Greenstone, you can do so knowing that your piece has been responsibly sourced and authenticated, helping to protect the integrity and provenance of one of Aotearoa's most treasured natural resources.

Exclusive Aotea and Tahutahi Collections

Westland Greenstone is proud to be the only retail store in New Zealand offering both Aotea and Tahutahi stone, giving our customers access to two of the West Coast's rarest and most distinctive natural stones.

Aotea Stone is one of New Zealand's rarest gemstones and is found only in a small area of the West Coast. Known for its remarkable combination of blue, green and cream tones, the natural variation within the stone means each piece has its own distinctive pattern and character.

Tahutahi Pounamu is an exceptionally rare variety of New Zealand pounamu, prized for its distinctive appearance and extremely limited availability. Each piece reflects the natural variation of the stone, making every finished taonga truly individual.

Our Aotea and Tahutahi collections reflect Westland Greenstone's longstanding connection with the remarkable stones of Te Tai Poutini and our commitment to offering pieces that cannot be found just anywhere.

Crafted to be Treasured

For generations, pounamu has been carved into forms carrying meaning and significance. Today, those traditions continue alongside contemporary designs that allow pounamu to be worn and treasured in many different ways.

Our collection includes timeless taonga such as toki, hei matau, koru and pikorua, alongside contemporary pendants, earrings, bracelets and other jewellery. We also offer bespoke commissions, handcrafted by skilled artisans to create something truly personal.

Pounamu is often chosen to mark life's significant moments — to celebrate an achievement, honour a loved one, acknowledge a connection or mark a personal journey. It may be gifted from one person to another or chosen for yourself, becoming something that is worn, treasured and eventually passed on.