The Source of our Pounamu

At Moko Pounamu, the journey of each piece begins on the West Coast of Te Waipounamu, the South Island of Aotearoa New Zealand.

We source our pounamu through registered Ngāi Tahu channels, ensuring the stone is gathered legally, respectfully, and in alignment with tikanga Māori. This process protects the mana and mauri — the life force — of pounamu and honours its status as a taonga tuku iho, a treasured item passed down through generations.

Some of the pounamu we carve today comes from a long-held family collection, originally gathered by Alf Moreton — a pioneer in the greenstone carving industry and the father of Moko Pounamu’s founder, Deane Moreton.

Before the Ngāi Tahu Settlement Act was passed in 1997, Alf operated under legal mining claims including the Seddon Terrace Claim near Rimu. Many exceptional stones, rich in colour and character, were recovered from that area and continue to be carved today.

The Marsden Valley is another important source, known for its high-quality pounamu. These origins give us a deep connection to place and material, ensuring authenticity in every piece we produce.

All Moko Pounamu carving is completed by skilled artists, using traditional and contemporary methods to bring out the natural beauty of each stone.

Many pieces we sell can be accompanied by Ngāi Tahu authentication, which traces the stone’s source and confirms it has been gathered and processed according to Ngāi Tahu protocols. However, not every item we create carries this certification — especially those carved from the Moreton family’s pre-settlement collection.

Where possible, we’re happy to discuss certification options with customers, and we always remain transparent about the origin of each piece. Through both our sourcing and carving practices, we uphold the cultural and historical significance of genuine West Coast pounamu.