Deep in the Kaimata River Valley, gold prospector Tyler Mahoney and her companion Danny embark on a journey to uncover one of New Zealand’s most sacred treasures—pounamu, or greenstone. Revered by the Māori people, pounamu gives the South Island its name, Te Waipounamu, meaning “the place of greenstone.” Since 1997, the government has recognized Māori ownership of all naturally occurring pounamu, requiring any found to be returned to its rightful guardians.
Tyler and Danny meet with Teirua, a Māori pounamu hunter, to present an impressive greenstone they discovered. “It has a strong connection to our culture,” Teirua explains. “Our ancestors were a stone-nomadic people, and heirlooms made of pounamu have been passed down for generations, carrying the energy of those before us.”
Excited by the find, Tyler and Danny ask to join in the search for more. Teirua agrees, guiding them into the valley to hunt for the elusive stone. “Finding pounamu is like love,” he says. “Some people search their whole lives and never understand it, but when you find the right piece, there’s a connection.”
As they scour the riverbeds, Tyler notices a familiar connection between pounamu and gold. Both were pushed up from deep underground when tectonic plates collided to form the Southern Alps. Glaciers and floods then carried them into the rivers, where prospectors and treasure seekers now search for them together.
Suddenly, Tyler’s metal detector beeps. “I’ve got a signal!” she exclaims, uncovering a rusted anchor-shaped object. But her focus soon returns to pounamu. “I can’t do two things at once,” she laughs.
Under Teirua’s guidance, they finally spot what they’re looking for—a massive piece of pounamu. “That’s exactly what we’re looking for,” Teirua confirms. Tyler is stunned. “Oh my God, that’s green! We are in the money!” The raw stone, weighing several hundred pounds, is estimated to be worth between $10,000 and $15,000 USD. When carved into jewelry by Māori artisans, its value could triple.
To honor the discovery, Teirua performs a hongi, a traditional Māori greeting where foreheads and noses touch, signifying the sharing of breath and life force. “It’s a way to acknowledge the place and the gift it has given us,” he explains.
The next step takes Tyler and Danny to Hokitika, the heart of New Zealand’s pounamu carving industry. There, skilled artisans Aaron and Pierre carefully cut the stone, revealing its deep green interior. “That’s stunning!” Tyler exclaims as the rich color emerges from within.
For Teirua and his tribe, the stone’s significance extends far beyond its monetary value. “Pounamu is a gift from the land,” he reflects. “Its journey continues, from the river to the hands of our people, preserving its energy and history for generations to come.”
