The rarity and beauty of Tahutahi pounamu has made it a desired taonga, though it has never been legally available for purchase. Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio chairperson Paul Madgwick said the public ...

Ashburton Intermediate School has dropped a rule requiring students to get a uniform pass to wear a pounamu at school.

“That’s disgusting,” one person said. “Pounamu is part of our culture, and it’s a taonga that holds deep spiritual significance. It’s not just an accessory. I don’t see why Māori ...

“We are grateful to those who have raised the issues around the pass and will rectify immediately any seeking of passes to wear a taonga/pounamu, which we have not denied the wearing of to ...