December 03, 2025

Police Seize 820 kg of Allegedly Stolen Pounamu in Major Southern-Island Raid

Matthew Tukaki Posted On December 3, 2025

In a significant enforcement operation, New Zealand police have seized 820 kilograms of allegedly stolen pounamu (greenstone) in a raid near Dunedin – one of the largest such recoveries in recent years.

On Monday a search warrant was executed at a property in Dunedin, resulting in the confiscation of the 820 kg haul of pounamu – stones that had been cut and prepared for sale.

A 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of obstruction. He appeared before the Dunedin District Court and was released on bail. Police indicated further charges relating to the alleged theft and illegal possession of taonga (treasured items) may follow.

Pounamu is much more than just a stone. Found only in parts of the South Island primarily on the West Coast (Te Tai Poutini) in catchments such as Arahura and Haast – it is regarded as a taonga by iwi. Under the Ngāi Tahu (Pounamu Vesting) Act 1997, ownership and guardianship of all pounamu in those areas rests with Ngāi Tahu.

Public fossicking for pounamu is only permitted on certain West Coast beaches. Collection from rivers or inland catchments is strictly regulated – and only permitted for Ngāi Tahu whānau with a valid permit from the relevant rūnanga (guardian iwi authority).

Because pounamu is both culturally significant and relatively rare, illegally taken stone is considered a serious offence – akin to theft of culturally protected property.

This 820 kg seizure follows earlier recoveries of stolen pounamu. For instance, in May 2025 police recovered 365 pieces and boulders from a West Coast river after a tip-off from the community.

According to iwi representatives, illicit trade in pounamu remains a persistent issue. Stolen greenstone is frequently trafficked via informal markets, sold online, or used in other illicit trades – including as a commodity in drug deals. O

The chairman of Ngāi Tahu, speaking after the raid, emphasised that any greenstone being unlawfully removed from protected catchments is stolen taonga not just a mere commodity – and must be treated with the seriousness it deserves.

Police echoed the sentiment, stating their commitment to treating pounamu theft with the same respect and seriousness as other forms of property crime. A spokesperson said the rapid action in the Dunedin case sends a clear message: “We will not tolerate this kind of offending.”

The size of the seizure (820 kg) makes this one of the largest recoveries of allegedly stolen pounamu in recent times, highlighting the scale of the illegal trade.It underlines the growing collaboration between law enforcement and iwi authorities to protect taonga and uphold cultural and statutory ownership rights.

For carvers, traders, and anyone dealing in pounamu – the case is a reminder of the importance of verifying provenance through the official authentication processes managed by Ngāi Tahu.

Authorities are now investigating the origins of the seized stones, how they were extracted, and through which channels they were being trafficked. Additional charges are expected as investigations continue into possible theft, unlawful possession, and supply.

Furthermore, iwi leaders are urging people with pounamu in their possession – especially those unsure of its provenance – to engage with Ngāi Tahu. Authentication ensures stones are legally and ethically sourced, and helps protect cultural heritage.

The Dunedin raid serves as a stark reminder: pounamu is not merely a commodity – it’s a taonga, entwined with history, identity, and the responsibility to protect. This seizure not only disrupts a criminal supply chain, but also reinforces the message that New Zealand will uphold the rights of tangata whenua and safeguard its cultural heritage.