Not surprisingly, given that New Zealand is surrounded by sea, our native New Zealand people Māori have a strong affinity with the ocean.

Oral storytelling is a vital element in Māori culture, and the story of demi-god Māui fishing Aotearoa from the sea has been passed down through the generations. The North Island (Te Ika a Māui) was the fish Māui caught and became home to Māui, his family and all Māori. The South Island became the waka (canoe) of Māui through the legend and is known as Te Waka a Māui (the canoe of Māui). Stewart Island, located to the south of the South Island is known as Te Punga a Māui (Māui’s anchor). The tangata whenua (people of the land) of New Zealand have always been great fishers and have special provision to fish under customary fishing regulations. Kaimoana (seafood) caught under the customary fishing regulations cannot be traded or sold.

We have several pieces of unique fine New Zealand Jewellery which honour this connection with our heritage and our oceans but my personal favourite is the W47 Hei Matau Koru

Pounamu Greenstone Pendant

Our stylised genuine New Zealand Greenstone pendant pays homage to this strong relationship as well as having the distinctive Koru shape which symbolises new beginnings and growth.
This unique and beautiful piece of genuine New Zealand Greenstone or Pounamu as the Māori have named it, has been hand carved and then polished to a high shine finish and would most definitely be a prized treasure for anyone who may receive it.