Tahutahi Roimata

Aotea is an exceptionally rare natural stone found in South Westland, New Zealand, with the only known source in the Southern Hemisphere. Composed of a unique combination of minerals, including kyanite, fuchsite and white quartz, Aotea is recognised for its distinctive blue, green and white colouring. Its natural mineral layering creates beautiful variations in colour and pattern, making every piece entirely one of a kind.

Aotea is a precious taonga of Ngāti Māhaki, ethically sourced from within their traditional takiwā. As collective kaitiaki, Ngāti Māhaki are committed to protecting the stone's cultural significance, promoting sustainable collection practices and supporting customary collection, hapū development and the livelihoods of whānau artisans.

Aotea is protected under a Crown minerals permit held by Ngāti Māhaki, who oversee its collection and management. Removing Aotea without the appropriate whakapapa-based authority and/or a permit issued by the hapū is illegal. These protections help safeguard this exceptionally rare resource and ensure its benefits remain connected to the people and whenua from which it originates.

Genuine Aotea is available through Westland Greenstone and approved Ngāti Māhaki artisans. Each piece carries an authenticity code verifying its provenance, alongside official Ngāi Tahu Pounamu traceability and certification, providing customers with confidence in its authenticity and origins.

Westland Greenstone is proud to offer authentic Aotea taonga, carefully selected and crafted to celebrate the natural beauty and cultural significance of this remarkable stone. Each piece is made to be worn, treasured and passed down through generations.

Tahutahi is an exceptionally rare variety of New Zealand pounamu found within a single catchment in South Westland, in the takiwā of Ngāti Māhaki. Previously known as snowflake jade, Tahutahi is recognised for its vibrant green colour and distinctive white crystalline flecks. Renowned for its exceptional hardness and suitability for fine jewellery, its unique natural formations make every piece entirely one of a kind.

Tahutahi is a precious taonga of Ngāti Māhaki, who hold exclusive rights to manage and sell this remarkable stone. As collective kaitiaki, Ngāti Māhaki are committed to protecting its cultural significance, ensuring ethical collection and promoting sustainable practices that support customary collection, hapū development and the livelihoods of whānau artisans.

Historically restricted or withheld from public commercial sale, genuine Tahutahi is now available through Westland Greenstone and approved Ngāti Māhaki artisans. Each piece carries an authenticity code verifying its provenance, alongside official Ngāi Tahu Pounamu traceability and certification, providing customers with confidence in its authenticity and origins.

Tahutahi also holds a special place in New Zealand's sporting history, with taonga crafted from this exceptional pounamu gifted to notable figures and national representatives, including New Zealand's Olympic and Paralympic athletes and national sporting teams such as the New Zealand women's cricket team.

Westland Greenstone is proud to share this treasured stone, offering authentic Tahutahi taonga crafted to be worn, treasured and passed down through generations.

We carefully inspect and package every order before it leaves us. Once your order has been dispatched, you will receive tracking information so you can follow its journey.

Delivery timeframes vary depending on your location and are calculated at checkout. Please ensure your delivery details are correct before completing your order. International customers are responsible for any customs duties, taxes or import charges that may apply in their country.

If your order arrives damaged or there is a problem with your purchase, please contact us as soon as possible with your order number and photographs of the item and packaging. For change-of-mind returns or exchanges, please refer to our Returns Policy for eligibility, timeframes and instructions.