In an emotional ceremony on November 1, 2024, nearly 60 kilograms of pounamu were returned to the Poutini Ngāi Tahu iwi at Arahura Marae in Hokitika.
These precious stones, some of which were seized from travellers at Auckland Airport in 2016 and others from an international mail centre in 2022, had been taken as part of an illegal export attempt. The New Zealand Customs Service and Ngāi Tahu Pounamu collaborated on the return, which underscores their dedication to stopping the illegal trade of pounamu, a taonga or treasure with deep cultural significance.
Francois Tumahai, a leader of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae, expressed his gratitude at seeing the pounamu brought back to its guardians. He explained that pounamu holds special meaning to the people of Poutini Ngāi Tahu and has been a vital part of their identity and traditions for generations. Ngāi Tahu tamariki, or children, learn early on about pounamu’s cultural and historical value, as well as the responsibility to protect it.
In New Zealand, it has been illegal to export pounamu without special permission for over 70 years, and Customs works to intercept attempts to send pounamu abroad without approval. Christine Stevenson, the Comptroller of Customs, emphasised the care taken to protect pounamu, stating that it’s more than just a matter of law enforcement—it’s also about respecting the cultural significance of the stone.
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