About Pounamu - New Zealand Greenstone

Pounamu is the New Zealand Maori name for the Greenstone that comes from New Zealand, otherwise known as nephrite jade.

Scientists believe that greenstone was formed millions of years ago through a chemical reaction deep within the earth between neighbouring deposits of volcanic and sedimentary rocks. Namely dunite and greywacke. Under pressure, these two rocks literally cooked themselves into greenstone.

During the rising up of the Southern Alps from the Pacific Ocean many millions of years ago, segments of pounamu rose to the surface. And as happens today, greenstone rocks were carried by rivers down to the sea, where they were collected (today only by members of one Maori tribe, Ngai Tahu).

Greenstone has been classified by Maori into several different types, based on their colour. The colour is dependent on the mix of rock that formed the greenstone, and the particles of mostly iron and chromium that can be in it as well. Some of the most common colours are kawakawa, inanga, and kaharangi. Probably the most popular is kawakawa, a gorgeous medium green that is almost luminous when a piece is held up to the light.

Pounamu has a tight crystalline structure which makes it incredibly strong, like steel. This made it ideal for traditional Maori weapons, such as the greenstone mere (club) shown above. Nephrite jade can also be cut, shaped and polished, so it was also highly valued for making into necklaces and earrings, particularly the hei tiki necklace.

Today, New Zealand's greenstone is made into replica Maori weapons, jewellery and ornaments like the items below, all available from Shopenzed.com.

What to buy the New Zealand baby born overseas

It's always a dilemma...what do you buy the New Zealand baby that has been born overseas? You want to send them something special from New Zealand, but sometimes it also needs to be quite lightweight, to save on shipping.

The most iconic New Zealand baby gift is the Buzzy Bee Wooden Toy. It's been the classic New Zealand toy since the 1950s, and many of you will have seen the video of a young Prince William playing with a Buzzy Bee on a royal visit to New Zealand. As you can see from the video, the toy is fun for young babies and for toddlers, with its antennae, clacking sound and bright colours piquing a child's interest.

For the new baby, a gift that could become a family heirloom is the luxurious Merino Possum Wool Blanket. Incredibly soft and lightweight, the Possum Wool fibre is a mix of non-irritating possum fur and ultra-fine merino wool. The combination of fibres gives a yarn greater warmth than wool, and neither fibre will irritate a baby's sensitive skin. Many a baby dribble can simply be flicked off the blanket, as the fur stops the liquid being absorbed into the wool. In fact you will want your own Possum Wool sweater when you see how easy they are to keep clean, and how incredibly warm yet lightweight they are.

To show off that your new grandchild, niece or nephew is at least half Kiwi, there are some lovely onesies to choose from. Some onesies are decorated with Kiwis or Sheep, and other rompers are decorated with an iconic New Zealand phrase "Sweet as".

If you or the parents are ardent All Blacks fans, you'll want to give the new baby the All Blacks Newborn Baby Gift Set, or the All Blacks "Been Inside for 9 Months" Onesie. To go with it, the perfect first book, the "My First All Blacks Board Book", which all the essential first words for a baby to learn, like "goalposts" or "boots"! In our All Blacks Babywear section there are lots more baby and infant clothing items to buy for the new baby or child.

For something warm for baby to lie on, the ultimate is a New Zealand Sheepskin Baby Rug. Ideal for when they lie on their backs, playing with floor mobiles. The sheepskin rug can also lie under them in the stroller, keeping their backs nice and warm.

Babies love to play with soft toys, and we have lots of Kiwi and Lamb Soft Toys that are gorgeous, incredibly soft and cuddly. As they get older, they may also like the Native Bird Toys, all with authentic recorded sound.

Out in the car, an essential item is the "Kiwi Baby on Board" Road Sign to hang in the back window of your vehicle.

To remember just how tiny and miraculous the newborn was, get the Seedling Baby Handprint in a Tin Kit. Everything you need to make a replica of your tiny baby's hand or foot. For the wall, the My Kids Aroha Sign will remind you and your kids of how special they are, and the power of Aroha (love).

For the Maori baby, we hope the parents already had the "Choosing a Maori Name for your Baby" Book. If not, the book could be good for naming future mokopuna. The ultimate gift for baby is the Maori feathered korowai, suitable for babies and young children. And on their 1st birthday, we have the 1st Birthday Key. Also for the Maori child, Maori Dolls. And for kapa haka performances from the 2-year-old ( and older kids) we have Kapa Haka Costumes for both boys and girls. These costumes are often needed at overseas schools, for their Nations Day.