Do you know the true story behind the Green Stone Pounamu from New Zealand?!
Gunners & Ali - Ali's Random Facts
Monday, 31 August 2026 - 3 minutes
Today’s beautiful fact is about pounamu - the precious greenstone of Aotearoa New Zealand.
For Māori, pounamu is much more than a beautiful stone. It’s a taonga - a treasured possession - associated with strength, status, peace and spiritual significance.
It’s found naturally only in New Zealand’s South Island, particularly around the West Coast, and has a special connection with Ngāi Tahu.
And there’s a beautiful traditional story about its origins. Poutini, a taniwha or guardian spirit of pounamu, was being pursued by another taniwha. He eventually transformed himself into pounamu, becoming the guardian of the stone and the West Coast. which is why the region is known as Te Tai Poutini.
So when you wear pounamu, you’re wearing something with a story that goes far beyond its beautiful green colour.
Source: YouTube: Moko Pounamu
