Before You Enquire
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about pounamu, provenance, buying and care.
What's the difference between pounamu, jade and greenstone?
Pounamu is the Māori name for New Zealand jade, also called greenstone. All three terms refer to the same stone, nephrite jade found on the South Island of New Zealand. Jade is the general mineral term, greenstone is the common English name used in New Zealand, and pounamu is the Māori name most often used for finished carved pieces.
How do you know a piece is authentic and ethically sourced?
Every piece in the collection is checked for provenance before it's listed, meaning we know where the stone came from and that it was legally sourced. Pounamu from the West Coast is managed under Ngāi Tahu ownership, and it's illegal to sell stone taken without proper authority. We only work with stone that has clear, confirmed origin.
What's the difference between Kawakawa, Kahurangi and Inanga pounamu?
These are the main grades of pounamu, named for their colour and clarity. Kawakawa is a deep, even green, named after the kawakawa leaf, and is the most common grade. Kahurangi is a rarer, highly translucent green found mainly in South Westland. Inanga is pale and milky, named after the whitebait fish, and is prized for its soft colour.
What's the difference between traditional, contemporary and freeform carving?
Traditional pieces follow established Māori forms such as the Hei Tiki, Toki, Koru and Hei Matau, each with specific cultural meaning. Contemporary pieces respect that heritage but use modern shapes, materials like sterling silver, and mixed media. Freeform pieces let the natural shape of the raw stone guide the final design, rather than carving it into a set symbol.
Should pounamu be gifted rather than bought for yourself?
Traditionally, pounamu is given as a gift rather than bought for yourself, since a gifted piece is said to carry the giver's goodwill. That said, plenty of people now choose and buy a piece for themselves, and there's nothing wrong with doing so. If you're buying as a gift, we're happy to help you choose a piece with a meaning suited to the person you're giving it to.
How do I purchase or enquire about a piece?
Every piece in the collection is one of a kind, so the best way to buy is to enquire directly. Send us a message through the enquiry form, email, or phone with the name of the piece you're interested in, and we'll confirm availability, provenance and next steps.
Do you ship, or can I view pieces in person?
Yes to both. The gallery is at 4 Marama Arcade, Taupō, and visits are by appointment so we can give you time with a piece before you decide. We also ship within New Zealand and internationally; get in touch and we'll quote shipping for your location.
Do you sell raw carving stone to carvers and artists?
Yes. We stock raw pounamu boulders and slabs for carvers, ethically sourced with confirmed provenance. It's illegal to buy or sell black-market jade in New Zealand, so we only offer stone we can verify.
Do you take custom or commissioned orders?
We can help source or arrange a custom piece in some cases. Since our focus is one-off finished works and raw stone, get in touch with what you have in mind and we'll let you know what's possible.
How do I care for a jade piece?
Pounamu is a hard, durable stone, but it can still chip if knocked against something hard. Clean it with a soft, damp cloth, avoid harsh chemicals, and take it off before activities where it might take an impact. With normal care, a piece will last for generations.
Are your prices in NZD, and do they include GST?
Yes, all prices on the site are in New Zealand dollars and include GST.