Law enforcement discovered multiple pieces of stolen pounamu that had been cut and prepared for sale during a search of a property in Dunedin. The police reported seizing a total of 820 kilograms of the precious stone.
The 29-year-old suspect was taken into custody for obstruction and later appeared in the Dunedin District Court. He has been released on bail, and authorities are considering pressing charges related to the stolen pounamu.
Pounamu, also known as greenstone, is a significant cultural treasure owned by Ngāi Tahu under the Pounamu (Ngāi Tahu) Vesting Act 1997. The public is only permitted to search for pounamu on specified West Coast beaches, with restrictions on the size of stones that can be taken.
Rivers can be searched for pounamu by Ngāi Tahu whānau members, but only with a collection permit issued by the guardian rūnanga, such as Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio in South Westland.
Paul Madgwick, chairman of Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio, expressed gratitude for the prompt response of the police in addressing the ongoing issue of pounamu theft. He emphasized that stolen pounamu is easily identifiable and traceable back to specific sources.
Detective Sergeant Jesse Thomson commended the team in Dunedin for the successful seizure, stating that law enforcement will not tolerate such offenses and will hold those responsible accountable.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting cultural treasures and working together to prevent the theft of significant taonga like pounamu.
– Allied Media
