The Heart Behind Te Wahi Pounamu
Meet the artisans preserving the legacy of Māori greenstone, crafting authentic jewellery that tells the story of Aotearoa.
From Humble Beginnings to Timeless Legacy
Welcome to Te Wahi Pounamu, where the beauty and spirit of Māori culture are brought to life through authentic, handcrafted Pounamu jewellery. For over 30 years, we have celebrated the legacy of New Zealand’s treasured greenstone, honouring its role as a taonga (treasure) and its deep connection to the land and people of Aotearoa.
Deane Moreton, our founder, learned his craft alongside his father in a family workshop dedicated to Pounamu. From these humble beginnings, his passion grew into a lifelong journey of storytelling through design. Today, his artistry reflects the strength, beauty, and mana of Pounamu, with every piece rooted in Māori traditions and values.
Honouring the Sacred Spirit of Greenstone
Pounamu is more than a material; it is a living taonga with its own spirit and significance. For generations, Māori have revered greenstone as sacred, using it in tools, weapons, and jewellery to embody strength, connection, and heritage.
At Te Wahi Pounamu, we continue this legacy, creating pieces that carry the wairua (spirit) of Aotearoa. Every creation is a bridge between tradition and the modern world, connecting wearers to the deep roots of our culture.
Where Tradition Meets Innovation
Every piece of jewellery we create is a fusion of tradition and innovation, inspired by the natural landscapes and stories of the West Coast of New Zealand. Using sustainably sourced Pounamu, sterling silver, and natural materials, our designs honour Māori symbols, such as the Koru (growth and new beginnings) and Hei-Matau (prosperity and safe journeys).
Our skilled artisans work with care and precision, transforming raw stone into meaningful pieces that connect wearers to the beauty and history of greenstone. From timeless pendants to bespoke creations, we ensure that every item reflects the mana of its origins.
Preserving Culture with Integrity
We uphold the cultural integrity of Pounamu through respect, sustainability, and authenticity. Our greenstone is responsibly sourced from trusted suppliers, ensuring that every piece honours the heritage and tikanga (customs) of Aotearoa.
At Te Wahi Pounamu, we believe in preserving the stories and traditions of Pounamu, crafting jewellery that is both a connection to the past and a celebration of the future.
Why Choose Us?
Authenticity, Connection, and Sustainability
Authenticity
Each piece is crafted with genuine New Zealand Pounamu, honouring Māori heritage.
Connection
Our designs tell the story of Aotearoa, bringing the spirit of the land and its people into every piece
Sustainability
We are committed to ethical sourcing and responsible craftsmanship.
At Te Wahi Pounamu, we invite you to experience the timeless beauty of greenstone and its connection to the culture and stories of Aotearoa. Every piece we create is more than jewellery—it is a taonga, carrying the spirit of New Zealand to be treasured for generations.
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