Photo: ODT filesA landmark prosecution involving the illegal export of pounamu from New Zealand has been welcomed by Poutini Ngai Tahu. This followed an earlier attempt two months prior, when Zhang’s father and Li’s husband was intercepted trying to export two stones weighing a combined 61kg. The case is the first successful prosecution under the Customs Export Prohibition (Pounamu) Order 2021, which makes it unlawful to export 5kg or more of raw or partially processed pounamu without permission. Poutini Ngāi Tahu rūnanga co-chairmen Francois Tumahai (Ngāti Waewae) and Paul Madgwick (Ngāti Māhaki) said the verdict upheld the mana of pounamu. Regardless, the intent was clearly to remove raw pounamu from New Zealand for commercial gain.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 03, 2026 16:33 UTC