How the authentication system works
Why have an authentication system?
Significant quantities of the jade and greenstone products manufactured in New Zealand are made from raw stone that is imported from overseas – in particular Canada, China and Siberia. Furthermore, many carved jade pieces sold in New Zealand are manufactured in China.
Much of this product is sold under the impression that it is genuine New Zealand Greenstone, or Pounamu (the indigenous Māori name for greenstone/jade), carved by New Zealand and indigenous Māori artisans.
To overcome this confusion the legal owners of Pounamu/Greenstone in New Zealand, the indigenous Ngāi Tahu people, have developed an authentication scheme to certify products made from genuine New Zealand Greenstone/Pounamu. This is to provide assurance to those purchasing greenstone/pounamu products that they have obtained the authentic and genuine article.
How can I tell if my pounamu is genuine?
All Ngāi Tahu Authenticated pounamu shows the Ngāi Tahu Pounamu registered trademark and a unique traceability code, that when entered online, identifies the origin and whakapapa (geneaology) of the stone, how it was extracted and processed and who the artist was that carved it. Further they can be safely assured that their item of pounamu has been treated according to the customary respect attributed to pounamu by its guardians the Ngāi Tahu people. The unique traceability code is your guarantee that your product is authentic.
What is a licensed purchaser and manufacturer of Ngāi Tahu pounamu?
Individuals or businesses can be licensed to use the authenticity assurance scheme developed under the authority of the Ngāi Tahu tribal council. Being licensed grants the ability to purchase certified raw pounamu from the Ngāi Tahu Pounamu website, and to display the Authentic Ngāi Tahu Pounamu logo. Stone can be viewed prior to purchase from the inventory store. To become licensed the purchaser one must agree to the rules of the authenticity assurance scheme.
Find out more about the scheme:
