If you’ve ever lived away from Aotearoa, you’ll know the feeling — a sudden rush of homesickness at the sound of a Kiwi accent, a wave of nostalgia when you spot L&P on a random supermarket shelf, or a quiet little ache when someone mentions the motherland.

For homesick Kiwis in Australia, nothing hits quite like greenstone. It’s meaningful, protective, deeply connected to Māori culture, and feels like carrying a piece of home on your chest.

Whether you’re gifting someone who’s moved across the ditch, welcoming a new Kiwi baby, or surprising a mate who needs a little aroha, here are the top 5 greenstone gifts that always land perfectly.

1. The Toki – Strength, Courage & Resilience

The toki (adze) is the ultimate symbol of determination and inner strength. Traditionally used as a tool of mana, it represents someone who stands firm, leads with integrity, and keeps pushing forward even when life throws a curveball (or, you know… Aussie heatwaves).

💚 Perfect for:

• A friend starting a new job

• Someone going through a big change

• Men’s everyday wear

• A Kiwi who needs a reminder of how tough they are

If you’re gifting from Australia, a toki is one of the most popular choices — timeless, grounded, and universally loved.

2. The Koru – New Beginnings & Growth

The koru, inspired by the unfurling fern frond, symbolises life, fresh starts, and harmony. It’s calming, positive, and deeply connected to the natural beauty of Aotearoa.

💚 Perfect for:

• Birthdays

• New parents

• Someone moving house or starting a new chapter

• A loved one who needs encouragement or balance

For homesick Kiwis, the koru feels like a gentle hug from home.

3. The Twist (Pikorua) – Connection, Friendship & Whānau

The pikorua twist represents the bond between people — two paths that go their own way but always come back together. Sound familiar? Like every Kiwi who moves to Australia but still calls Mum every day?

💚 Perfect for:

• Partners

• Siblings

• Best mates

• Long-distance relationships

• Families spread across NZ and Australia

It’s one of the most meaningful greenstone gifts for keeping whānau connected across the ditch.

4. The Heart – Aroha, Love & Gratitude

Simple, classic, and overflowing with aroha. The greenstone heart is a beautiful reminder of love — not just romantic love, but family love, friendship love, and the kind that feels like home.

💚 Perfect for:

• Your partner

• Mum

• A daughter living away from NZ

• Anyone who deserves heartfelt gifting

The heart shape is a bestseller for a reason — it suits every age and is cherished forever.

5. The Roimata (Teardrop) – Healing & Comfort

The roimata shape symbolises emotional strength, empathy, and healing. It’s calming and grounding — the kind of gift you give when someone needs support or something meaningful to hold onto.

💚 Perfect for:

• A friend going through a tough time

• Memorial gifts

• Soulful, sensitive types

• Anyone who needs comfort from home

It’s one of the most beautiful and thoughtful pounamu gifts you can give.

💚 Why Greenstone Makes the Perfect Gift for Homesick Kiwis

Pounamu carries meaning. It’s not just a necklace — it's:

• A connection to whenua (the land)

• A symbol of protection

• A piece of home you can wear every day

• A taonga passed down through generations

For Kiwis in Australia, that connection becomes even more powerful.

Every time they touch it, they’ll think of home.
Every time they wear it, they’ll feel grounded.
And every time someone asks about it, they’ll get to tell a story from Aotearoa.

✨ How to Gift Greenstone (Traditions & Tips)

If you want to honour custom:

• Gift it with intention

• Speak from the heart

• Give it with aroha

If you can’t physically hand it to them, gifting it by mail still counts — the meaning is in your intention, not the logistics.

(And yes, it’s totally okay to buy your own pounamu. The piece chooses you!)

💚 Ready to Send a Slice of Home?

If you’re looking to gift something meaningful, thoughtful, and deeply Kiwi, explore our hand-carved collection below.

👉 Shop authentic New Zealand greenstone pendants
https://www.thesanctuarybne.com/collections/greenstone

Fast shipping from Brisbane • Gift-ready packaging • Authentic NZ pounamu