On Wednesday 1st February 2017, Te Runanga o Makaawhio will launch our official “Makaawhio Aotea” and “Makaawhio Pounamu” sales website FOR WHANAU MEMBERS ONLY !!
All Makaawhio taonga is authenticated on the Authenticated Ngai Tahu Pounamu system.
Authentic Ngāi Tahu Pounamu prominently displays both a mark of authenticity and a unique traceability code.
When your unique code is entered online this code identifies the origin and whakapapa of the stone. It will describe how it was extracted and processed and tell you who the artist was that carved it. It will explain that the stone has been treated according to the customary respect and carved with every possible care.
Only licensed individuals or businesses can use this mark. This means, provided they follow the specific rules and regulations, that these businesses can purchase raw Pounamu from Ngāi Tahu for carvings.