Most of us are sensitive folk who don't want to offend anyone.  Or be laughed at.  Cultural appropriation is a big scary topic, one that no-one wants to be accused of. So is the wearing of a pounamu necklace only for Maori?

To answer that, you have to look back through the history of New Zealand greenstone. Pounamu is found only in the South Island, and only on the west coast of the South Island, the rohe (tribal territory) of the Poutini Ngai Tahu tribe.  Maori initially called the South Island "Te Wahi Pounamu" (the place of pounamu), later changing it to "Te Wai Pounamu" (the greenstone waters).  The Poutini Ngai Tahu people were blessed with this treasured resource - blessed with a workable stone that was both strong and exquisitely beautiful.  But equally important was what the greenstone was used for, and hence its acquired mana (status).

Initially greenstone was used to make tools, especially toki (adzes) but also chisels, scrapers, gouges, fish hooks, knives and more.  Later it was also used for adornments, in the way of necklaces and earrings.

The most valuable items made from greenstone were greenstone mere (clubs), and toki pou tangata (ceremonial adzes), usually made for chiefs to show their mana and authority.  These items were handed down, and thus became a connection between generations, a link to whakapapa (genealogy) in a time when Maori did not have a written language and relied on oratory, the sharing of stories.  The items were often given names, and were held in such high esteem that they were considered to be tapu (sacred).

Naturally Maori from around New Zealand eventually found out about pounamu and its sacred links, and there was extensive trading in pounamu as well as battles over it.

Because of its sacredness and mana, greenstone was used by Maori to seal peace agreements.  Pounamu, being stone, was seen as an everlasting resource, and it was this quality which was reinforced in peace agreements, that by sealing it with the exchange of pounamu, the agreement was as enduring as the stone. And this extended to non-Maori. The sacred mere pounamu (greenstone mere club) gifted as a peace settlement by Ngapuhi to the Ngati Paoa people was later gifted to Governor George Grey to symbolise their desire for lasting peace with European settlers.  

So, the wearing of greenstone is not restricted to Maori. What is more important is for the wearer to recognise the mana that pounamu holds, and that it is supposed to be handed down through the generations.  Ideally the giver of the pounamu will be Maori, and will have given it because they hold the receiver in high regard.  Possibly to mark a special occasion.

Greenstone is believed to have a spiritual value, taking on the mauri (life force) of the person who wears it.  Absorbing the oils from your skin.  You do not have to be handed yours by a member of your family, but do keep your new greenstone necklace as a taonga (treasure) that you will pass on to family.  Ideally you will have been given your greenstone as a symbol of respect or honour, probably on a special occasion such as a birthday, graduation, wedding, and any other special moment.  

 Most of us are sensitive folk who don't want to offend anyone.  Or be laughed at.  Cultural appropriation is a big scary topic, one that no-one wants to be accused of. So is the wearing of a pounamu necklace only for Maori?

To answer that, you have to look back through the history of New Zealand greenstone. Pounamu is found only in the South Island, and only on the west coast of the South Island, the rohe (tribal territory) of the Poutini Ngai Tahu tribe.  Maori initially called the South Island "Te Wahi Pounamu" (the place of pounamu), later changing it to "Te Wai Pounamu" (the greenstone waters).  The Poutini Ngai Tahu people were blessed with this treasured resource - blessed with a workable stone that was both strong and exquisitely beautiful.  But equally important was what the greenstone was used for, and hence its acquired mana (status).

Initially greenstone was used to make tools, especially toki (adzes) but also chisels, scrapers, gouges, fish hooks, knives and more.  Later it was also used for adornments, in the way of necklaces and earrings.

The most valuable items made from greenstone were greenstone mere (clubs), and toki pou tangata (ceremonial adzes), usually made for chiefs to show their mana and authority.  These items were handed down, and thus became a connection between generations, a link to whakapapa (genealogy) in a time when Maori did not have a written language and relied on oratory, the sharing of stories.  The items were often given names, and were held in such high esteem that they were considered to be tapu (sacred).

Naturally Maori from around New Zealand eventually found out about pounamu and its sacred links, and there was extensive trading in pounamu as well as battles over it.

Because of its sacredness and mana, greenstone was used by Maori to seal peace agreements.  Pounamu, being stone, was seen as an everlasting resource, and it was this quality which was reinforced in peace agreements, that by sealing it with the exchange of pounamu, the agreement was as enduring as the stone. And this extended to non-Maori. The sacred mere pounamu (greenstone mere club) gifted as a peace settlement by Ngapuhi to the Ngati Paoa people was later gifted to Governor George Grey to symbolise their desire for lasting peace with European settlers.  

So, the wearing of greenstone is not restricted to Maori. What is more important is for the wearer to recognise the mana that pounamu holds, and that it is supposed to be handed down through the generations.  Ideally the giver of the pounamu will be Maori, and will have given it because they hold the receiver in high regard.  Possibly to mark a special occasion.

Greenstone is believed to have a spiritual value, taking on the mauri (life force) of the person who wears it.  Absorbing the oils from your skin.  You do not have to be handed yours by a member of your family, but do keep your new greenstone necklace as a taonga (treasure) that you will pass on to family.  Ideally you will have been given your greenstone as a symbol of respect or honour, probably on a special occasion such as a birthday, graduation, wedding, and any other special moment.