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Kaitiakitanga over our Taonga

Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio holds kaitiakitanga (guardianship) for pounamu and āotea within our takiwā. The management of these taonga is guided by our Pounamu Resource Management Plan and the principles set out in the Ngāi Tahu (Pounamu Vesting) Act 1997.

These frameworks ensure that all collection, use, and trade of pounamu are carried out respectfully, lawfully, and in accordance with tikanga.

Our responsibility is to protect these taonga for future generations while enabling appropriate customary use by our people.

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Customary Collection

Whānau of Kāti Māhaki ki Makaawhio who wish to collect pounamu or āotea for customary purposes must first obtain approval from the rūnanga.

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Customary purposes may include:

• Creating taonga for whānau, marae, or iwi use

• Carving for cultural or ceremonial purposes

• Educational or wānanga-based activities

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A Customary Collection Permit must be completed and approved before any collection takes place. The rūnanga may place conditions on where, when, and how collection occurs to ensure the ongoing protection of these taonga.

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Permit applications must be submitted at least seven (7) days prior to the proposed collection date. Late applications may not be approved.

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Collection Conditions

All customary collection must follow these rules to ensure the protection of pounamu, āotea, and the surrounding environment:

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1. Personal Carry Limit
   Collection is limited to what an individual can carry on their person, either by hand or in a bag or backpack. Only one such collection may occur within any 24-hour period.

2. No Breaking from Source
   Pounamu must not be cut, hacked, or broken off from larger stones in situ within the environment.

3. No Mechanical Extraction
   The use of diamond saws or any mechanical means of extraction or cutting is strictly prohibited. This includes hand tools, motorised tools, winches, cranes, or equipment attached to vehicles or boats.

4. Environmental Protection
   Collection must not disturb the environment beyond minor impact, ensuring conservation values are protected at all times.

5. Documentation Requirements
   All pounamu collected must be photographed, weighed, and documented, with this information returned to the office of Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio for research and archival purposes.

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Commercial Use

Pounamu and āotea collected under a customary permit are not permitted to be sold as raw material. This includes both uncut and cut raw pounamu, unless it is being sold directly to Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio.

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Where pounamu collected under permit is later carved:

• It may only be sold by an authenticated Ngāi Tahu carver, or

• Sold directly to Kāti Māhaki ki Makaawhio.

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All commercial activity must comply with Makaawhio’s Pounamu Resource Management Plan and any relevant licences or agreements. Unauthorised collection or sale may result in enforcement action under the Ngāi Tahu (Pounamu Vesting) Act 1997.

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Applying for a Permit

You can apply for a Customary Collection Permit using the form below.

Please include:

• Your full name and contact details

• Your whakapapa connection to Kāti Māhaki ki Makaawhio

• The purpose of collection (for example carving, wānanga, or taonga for gifting)

• Proposed collection site and estimated quantity

• Any supporting information

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Once received, the Pounamu / Āotea Komiti will review your application and contact you regarding approval or any further requirements.

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Protecting Our Taonga

All collectors are expected to uphold tikanga, respect the environment, and act as kaitiaki while gathering pounamu or āotea. Significant finds should be reported to the rūnanga so they can be recorded and protected appropriately.

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Through careful management and collective responsibility, we ensure our pounamu and āotea remain protected for generations to come.