The History of Moreton Jewellery Greenstone

The history of the Pounamu is entwined with the history of New Zealand. From the earliest arrivals, it has been revered as precious and valuable. The Maori have a legend about a taniwha (a giant water being) called Poutini who guards the mauri within the treasured stone. The mana (spiritual force) of pounamu comes from Kahue (or Ngahue) an atua (God). Taniwha Poutini as protector of the stone is the servant of Kahue. 

The Maori people believe that the Pounamu taonga increase in mana (prestige) as they pass from one generation to another. The most prized taonga are those with known histories going back many generations. These are believed to have their own mana and historically were often given as gifts to seal important agreements.

The Maori considered the Pounamu to be taonga (treasure) and in 1997 it was protected under the Treaty of Waitangi. 

Because of the long history and value of the Pounamu, it is very important to Moreton Jewellery that the stone is treated with respect and dignity. We are honoured to be able to craft beautiful pieces of jewellery from the stone for people to enjoy for generations to come.