Pounamu, or New Zealand Greenstone, is a taonga of deep cultural and spiritual significance to Māori, valued for its strength, beauty, and connection to whakapapa and whenua.
Traditionally, four main types of Pounamu are recognised: Kawakawa, Kahurangi, and Inanga, which are all forms of Nephrite Pounamu and are named for their visual appearance — colour, clarity, and texture. The fourth, Tangiwai, is Bowenite, a related but distinct stone known for its high translucency and deep olive to blue-green hues.
Following the Ngāi Tahu Claims Settlement, the Pounamu Vesting Act 1997 legally defines Pounamu to include Bowenite, Nephrite (including Semi-Nephrite), and Serpentine. While Serpentine was not widely used in later traditional periods, there is archaeological evidence of its use during the early Moa Hunter period, as noted by Robert Duff in The Moa Hunter Period of Māori Culture.
This page explores these traditional types and other lesser-known varieties found throughout Aotearoa. Much of the information is drawn from Mana Pounamu by Russell Beck and Maika Mason.
Kawakawa
Kawakawa pounamu embodies the rich, verdant spirit of New Zealand’s native forests. This classic variety of greenstone is named for the vibrant leaves of the Kawakawa tree, and its deep, forest green hues often feature intriguing darker swirls and inclusions. Kawakawa pounamu is a timeless favorite, its earthy beauty resonating with the land’s natural energy and traditional Māori artistry.
Inanga
Inanga pounamu reflects the delicate beauty and life cycle of New Zealand’s iconic whitebait. This type of greenstone shimmers with translucent, silvery-green tones, sometimes featuring shimmering flecks or soft cloudy patterns. Just as the schools of tiny inanga fish migrate from sea to freshwater, Inanga pounamu holds a unique connection to both the ocean and the rivers, symbolising transition, abundance, and the interconnectedness of nature’s elements.
Kahurangi
Kahurangi pounamu, with its name meaning “treasured possession,” is a jewel among New Zealand pounamu. It possesses an unmatched translucency that allows light to dance within its depths, revealing a vibrant, luminous green. Often cloud-like wisps adorn its pure form, a testament to the ethereal quality it embodies. In Māori tradition, Kahurangi was reserved for the most important tools and adornments, making it a symbol of prestige, power, and enduring beauty.
Tangiwai
Tangiwai pounamu, steeped in legend, is a gemstone born from tears. Its name, meaning “water of tears,” references a Māori story of deep love and sorrow. This most ancient form of pounamu boasts a glassy translucence and a cool, ethereal beauty. Its colours range from olive green to a soft bluish-green, creating a mesmerizing depth. Tangiwai, found in the remote Milford Sound region, is a reminder of the enduring nature of love and the precious beauty found in the heart of Aotearoa (New Zealand).
Putiputi – Flower Jade
Putiputi pounamu, also known as Flower Jade, adds a burst of sunshine to the world of greenstone. While its base colour is often a rich green, it is the vibrant flashes of golden yellow, orange, and cream that make it truly distinctive. The name “putiputi” translates to “flower” in Māori, a perfect description for the way these joyful colours bloom within the stone. Found in the Marsden region of New Zealand, Putiputi is a celebration of natural beauty and a stone that adds warmth and radiance to any carving.
Hapopo
Hapopo pounamu draws its inspiration from the rugged beauty of New Zealand’s South Westland, where it is found near Kā Umu o Hapopo (Big Bay). This variety of pounamu is known for its deep, forest green hues and distinctive mottled patterns. Evoking the dense rainforests and moss-covered rocks of this wild region, Hapopo pounamu exudes an earthy, grounded energy. Its unique texture and rich colouration make it a favorite for carvings that honor the raw power and timeless essence of the land.
Tākiri
Tākiri, also known as Douglas Creek Stone, is a unique taonga stone found in the Douglas Creek area of the South Island. While this is a type of serpentine not nephrite jade, it holds a very recongnisable place among New Zealand’s carving stones. Tākiri is known for its striking patterns and varied colours, often featuring a mix of greens, blacks, whites, and translucent sections. Its fine grain makes it ideal for detailed carving, and it has been used to create taonga that honour the natural beauty of Aotearoa’s diverse stone resources.
Serpentine
Serpentine is one of the pounamu types that encompasses a stunning array of colours and patterns, making it a vibrant and diverse member of the pounamu family. From deep forest greens and rich olive tones to swirling shades of yellow, brown, and even hints of red, serpentine boasts a unique spectrum of natural beauty. Serpentine pounamu, while different in composition from traditional nephrite jade, remains a cherished taonga (treasure) of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Kōkopu
Kōkopu pounamu takes its name from the beloved native freshwater fish – the kōkopu – whose markings it resembles. This distinctive variety of greenstone features a speckled pattern, often with a light green or creamy base colour dappled with darker green or brown spots. The resemblance to the kōkopu fish symbolises resourcefulness and adaptability. While once less favored, kōkopu pounamu’s striking appearance and connection to New Zealand’s natural world have given it new appreciation as a symbol of beauty and resilience.
Raukaraka
Raukaraka pounamu boasts a warm, honey-like hue that sets it apart from other varieties of greenstone. Its colour ranges from a soft, creamy yellow-green to a rich, amber tone. Raukaraka takes its name from the Karaka tree, the leaves and the berries can have a similiar green and orange appearance. The term comes from Te Tauihu o Te Waka a Maui. While the name is descriptive of the Karaka, the origins are a bit uncertain.
Pīpīwharauroa
The name Pīpīwharauroa is used to describe two distinct but equally captivating appearances found within different types of Pounamu. One resembles the plumage of the shining cuckoo itself — green and white with a delicate, almost spotted pattern that mirrors the bird’s feathers. The other shows bands of shimmering, iridescent colour that shift and dance across the stone as it’s moved, much like the light on the bird’s back in flight.
Totoweka
Totoweka pounamu gets its striking name, meaning “blood of the weka”, from the distinctive flecks of red that streak through its green depths. Traditionally found in South Westland, this greenstone typically features a rich, leafy green base accented with flashes of rusty red or brown oxidization. The unique colouration symbolises strength and vitality, reminding us of the lifeblood that courses through the natural world. Totoweka’s bold beauty makes it a favorite for carvings that reflect connection to the land, resilience, and unwavering spirit.
Kahotea
The name Kahotea is a shortened form of Kakahotea, meaning “the white flowering seed head of the toetoe.” Tradition tells of a daughter of Kupe who discovered a white-skinned Pounamu boulder high on the bank of the Arahura River beside a flowering toetoe. The name commemorates that first discovery. Many boulders are white on the outside and known as kahotea; when cut open, their inner variety is revealed, which has led to some confusion around the use of the name. (Mana Pounamu Book)
Tahutahi – Snowflake
Tahutahi Pounamu, often called Snowflake Pounamu, is recognised for its distinctive white flecks scattered across a deep green base. These natural inclusions resemble falling snow, creating a striking contrast against the stone. Found in various forms of. This type has seen significant controversy, and the collection and trading of it is restricted.
Auhunga
Auhunga Pounamu is recognised for its soft, frosted appearance, giving it a distinct, weathered look. The name Auhunga translates to “frosty,” reflecting the pale, sometimes opaque tones that can be found in this stone. It often sits between Inanga and Kawakawa Pounamu in colour and texture, with a muted, matte surface that sets it apart.
The world of pounamu types holds endless wonder. Whether drawn to the ethereal beauty of Kahurangi, the warmth of Raukaraka, or the unique markings of Kōkopu, may you find a piece that resonates with your spirit and tells its own story. You can find more information at Te Ara.
Please contact me if you have any questions