Maori Culture

What is the Significance of Greenstone in Maori Culture? - ShopNZ

What is the Significance of Greenstone in Maori Culture?

June 30, 2025Lesley Armstrong

Pounamu (greenstone) is hugely significant in Maori culture, particularly to the Ngai Tahu iwi (tribe) who are the kaitiaki (guardians) of the stone. Found only in the South Island of...

Can you wear greenstone If you are not Māori? - ShopNZ

Can you wear greenstone If you are not Māori?

March 16, 2023Lesley Armstrong

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...

Maori Designs - Their Spiritual Meaning - ShopNZ

Maori Designs - Their Spiritual Meaning

May 15, 2021Lesley Armstrong

The designs used in Maori artwork on sale here at ShopNZ.com ( necklaces, pendants, wood carvings, tattoo, etc) all carry a spiritual meaning. Early Maori did not have a written...