Stolen pounamu recovered on West Coast

The story so far

Police recovered 365 pieces and boulders of stolen pounamu from the Jackson River on the West Coast after a member of the public tipped them off about a vehicle heading up the river.^{30, 31 May 2025} Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio, which represents the local hapū Ngāi Māhaki, had notified authorities of the sighting.^{30 May 2025} Officers intercepted the vehicle on the river and are considering charges against two men in their 30s.^{31 May 2025} The pounamu was tracked to fossickers and will be returned to the local hapū.^{5 Jun 2025} Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio described the recovery as a win against the greenstone black market.^{5 Jun 2025}

Latest

The 365 pieces have now been recovered and are to be returned to the West Coast hapū.^{5 Jun 2025} Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio called the recovery a win against the greenstone black market.^{5 Jun 2025}

What's next

The pounamu will be returned to the local hapū.^{5 Jun 2025} Police are considering charges against two men in their 30s.^{31 May 2025}

Key moments

1. 30 May 2025Police recover 365 stolen pounamu pieces from Jackson River after public tip-off.
2. 31 May 2025Officers intercept vehicle on Jackson River; charges being considered against two men.
3. 5 Jun 2025Stolen pounamu tracked to fossickers and to be returned to hapū.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.