Listen Now: 
Ngai Tahu Pounamu has become part of the Child Cancer Foundation’s beads of Courage programme.
Under the scheme, children undergoing cancer treatment receive a bead for every procedure and treatment they undergo, and the milestones they achieve.
Francois Tumahai from Te Runanga o Ngati Waewae says the first bead the child receives when they are diagnosed with cancer will be made from West Coast greenstone.
"There are about eight Ngai Tahu carvers on board this kaupapa. The beads are all hand carved, the pounamu is all from the (West) Coast, it’s all authenticated, and there are no two pieces the same, just like every child is different, so it’s significant and I guess it’s fitting," he says.
Mr Tumahai says Ngai Tahu Pounamu expects to supply about 200 beads of courage every year.
Copyright © 2015, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com
RELATED NEWS
