If you're looking for a reason to buy something meaningful, and haven't quite made your mind up yet, here are some reasons to gift pounamu. From supporting local artists to the deep meaning associated with the stone, pounamu is a truly amazing gift to give.
Every piece is one-of-a-kind
Our pieces are handcrafted with love
Choose a gift that will last
Stay forever connected with a loved one
Support local artists
What our customers are saying
5.0
5 stars
1 Reviews
5.0
5 stars
Reviews
Fantastic: choice craftsmanship from Mountain Jade NZ
“This hei matau is so beautiful, photos don't do it justice. I have worn a bone hei matau since 1990 and now this Aotearoa greenstone piece is proudly on my chest. It means a lot to me.
For one: my connection with Aotearoa, where I spent some of my formative years.
I thank Scully, the artist, for his beautiful work.
Peter Satoor de Rootas
”
– Peter Satoor de R.
Verified Buyer
20 September 2022
Our Promise
Hand carved
Smooth lines, soft finishes, no scratches and no cuts.
Sustainable packaging
Wherever possible we use sustainable packaging.
Gift wrapping
We offer a Premium Gift Wrapping service.
Free shipping
On all domestic orders.
The Hei Matau is thought to bring protection on your travels
The fish hook shape of the hei matau finds its origins in Māori legend, which holds that the North Island of New Zealand was once a huge fish that was caught by the great mariner, Māui.For many, it is a way of signifying their connection to the water.
Gift, with love
Every detail of our packaging is thoughtfully curated, from sustainable, low-ink, recyclable materials to personalised touches like mini-meaning cards and artist profiles. For an extra special touch, our Premium Gift Wrapping service means we wrap your piece in elegant kraft paper, tied with natural string and a woven jute ribbon.
Akapita Scally
The artist behind this creationFuelled by the love of seeing his ideas come to life in pounamu, Akapita Scally carefully considers design flow and significance when creating his signature pieces known for their meticulous finish and radiating beauty.
As a part of Rotorua’s carving industry for the past decade, Aka has had the privilege of working alongside some of the town’s finest pounamu artists. His designs are notable for their perfect lines and exemplary finishing, and he is particularly skilled at reflecting traditional forms whilst pushing contemporary boundaries.
Akapita is from Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Ngāti Whakaue and Ngāti Rangitihi.
Steeped in Māori legend, the Hei Matau connects us to the ocean. It is said to bring strength, prosperity and protection on your travels.
Protection
The Hei Matau
The fish hook denotes the importance of fishing to the Māori and their strong relationship with Tangaroa, the god of the sea. The ocean is deeply rooted in Māori worldview and culture and thought by many as the foundation of all life. Protected by the gods, it is a source of food and a place of ritual and spiritual connection, steeped in legend and stories telling of the creation of Aotearoa.