If you grew up in New Zealand, you’ve probably heard this before:
“You’re not meant to buy pounamu for yourself — it should be gifted.”

For many Kiwis, that belief sticks. And when you’re living in Australia, looking at greenstone online, it can bring up a bit of hesitation…
Is it okay to buy one for myself?
Does it still hold meaning if I choose it?

The short answer?
Yes — and the reason why matters.

Let’s unpack where the tradition comes from, what it means today, and how pounamu can still be deeply meaningful whether it’s gifted or chosen.

💚 Where the Tradition Comes From

Traditionally, pounamu (New Zealand greenstone) was considered a taonga — a treasured object with spiritual and cultural significance.

It was often:

• gifted between whānau or iwi

• passed down through generations

• given to mark important life moments

• worn for protection, strength, or guidance

Because of this, pounamu wasn’t something you casually bought like jewellery. Being gifted a piece symbolised:

• trust

• respect

• connection

• aroha

That belief — that pounamu should be gifted — has been carried through generations and is still deeply respected today.

✨ So… Can You Buy Pounamu for Yourself?

In modern life, especially for Kiwis living outside Aotearoa, the context has changed.

Many people now choose pounamu for themselves:

• during periods of change or growth

• to stay connected to home

• as a reminder of strength or protection

• to mark a new chapter, not just an occasion

Choosing pounamu with intention is still meaningful. What matters isn’t who pays for it — it’s the respect, understanding, and connection behind it.

Buying pounamu for yourself doesn’t diminish its significance when done thoughtfully.

💬 Why Gifting Pounamu Still Holds Special Meaning

While self-gifting is completely valid, there’s no denying that being gifted pounamu still carries something special.

When someone chooses a piece for you, it often symbolises:

• care and thoughtfulness

• a wish for protection or guidance

• a reminder that you’re held and supported

That’s why pounamu remains such a powerful gift for:

• birthdays

• milestones

• moments of loss or healing

• “just because” gestures of love

It’s not about the price or the shape — it’s about intention.

🌿 Living in Australia: A Modern Context

For many Kiwis in Australia, pounamu becomes a touchstone to home.

It can represent:

• identity and belonging

• whakapapa and heritage

• grounding during times of homesickness

• a quiet reminder of where you come from

In this context, choosing pounamu — whether for yourself or someone you love — is about maintaining connection, not breaking tradition.

💚 The Most Important Thing: Intention

Tradition teaches us why pounamu matters — not to create rules that make us feel unsure or guilty.

Whether pounamu is:

• gifted to you

• chosen by you

• bought for a loved one

What truly matters is:

• authenticity

• respect

• understanding its meaning

When those things are present, the taonga still holds its mana.

✨ Choosing Authentic Pounamu

If you are gifting or choosing pounamu, authenticity is key.

Real pounamu:

• comes from New Zealand

• shows natural variations in colour and grain

• is hand-carved

• is treated as a taonga, not just an accessory

Taking the time to choose a genuine piece honours the tradition — however it enters your life.

💜 A Final Thought

Traditions evolve, but meaning doesn’t disappear.

Pounamu is about connection — to people, to place, to self.
Whether gifted or chosen, it’s the intention that carries it forward.

✨ Explore Authentic Pounamu

If you’re looking to explore genuine New Zealand greenstone, you can view our collection here:

👉 Shop Authentic Pounamu
https://www.thesanctuarybne.com/collections/new-zealand-greenstone

Each piece is individually selected, gift-ready, and chosen with care — so you can wear or gift it with confidence.