Key Takeaways:
- A 29-year-old man has been arrested for obstruction after police raided a property in Dunedin and found 820 kilograms of allegedly stolen pounamu.
- The pounamu, a highly valued mineral, is found only in parts of the South Island and is considered the property of Ngāi Tahu by virtue of the Pounamu (Ngāi Tahu) Vesting Act 1997.
- Police are urging carvers and the public to question the origin of pounamu in their possession and to reach out to local Rūnanga or Ngāi Tahu Pounamu to understand what is permissible.
- The theft of pounamu is being treated with the same value and mindset as other stolen property, and police will not tolerate this type of offending.
- Anyone witnessing the illegal procurement of pounamu is asked to call 111 if it is happening immediately, or 105 if it is after the fact.
Introduction to the Incident
A significant operation was conducted by the police in Dunedin, resulting in the arrest of a 29-year-old man and the seizure of 820 kilograms of allegedly stolen pounamu. The police executed a search warrant on a property, where they found the large quantity of pounamu, which had been cut and was ready for sale. The man was arrested for obstruction and appeared in the Dunedin District Court, where he was released on bail. Further charges regarding the stolen mineral are being considered.
The Significance of Pounamu
Pounamu, a highly valued mineral, is found only in parts of the South Island, with the vast majority located on the West Coast, mainly in the Arahura and Haast districts. The mineral is considered the property of Ngāi Tahu by virtue of the Pounamu (Ngāi Tahu) Vesting Act 1997. Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio chairman Paul Madgwick stated that all pounamu is easily identifiable and can be traced back to particular catchments. This makes it possible to determine the origin of the mineral and identify any instances of theft.
The Theft of Pounamu
The theft of pounamu is a serious issue, with some of the stone being hacked and quarried from remote catchments and illegally sold to carvers across New Zealand. Madgwick said that the person responsible for the theft was "brazenly parading our stolen pounamu as if they have a right to help themselves to it – they don’t." The public is allowed to fossick for pounamu on West Coast beaches, but only to the extent that they can carry in one hand. Ngāi Tahu whānau members are the only ones who can fossick in rivers, but they need a collection permit granted by the kaitiaki rūnanga (guardian).
Police Response
The police are taking the theft of pounamu seriously, treating it with the same value and mindset as other stolen property. Detective Sergeant Jesse Thomson said that police take "pride" in working with local hapū and will not tolerate this type of offending. The seizure of the 820 kilograms of pounamu is a significant result, and police are urging anyone who has information about the illegal procurement of pounamu to come forward. Thomson stated that "we want to send a clear message that police will not tolerate this type of offending and will hold anyone who engages in this behaviour to account."
Call to Action
The police and Ngāi Tahu are urging carvers and the public to question the origin of pounamu in their possession. Madgwick said that "the rule is simple: if it is not authenticated by Ngāi Tahu Pounamu, it may be stolen." Anyone who is unsure of the rules around pounamu gathering or has pounamu in their possession and is unclear about ownership is urged to reach out to the local Rūnanga or Ngāi Tahu Pounamu to understand what is permissible. By working together, it is possible to prevent the theft of pounamu and protect this valuable mineral for future generations.
Conclusion
The seizure of 820 kilograms of allegedly stolen pounamu is a significant result, and the police and Ngāi Tahu are committed to preventing the theft of this valuable mineral. By raising awareness about the importance of pounamu and the rules surrounding its gathering, it is possible to protect this valuable resource for future generations. The police are urging anyone with information about the illegal procurement of pounamu to come forward, and carvers and the public are being encouraged to question the origin of pounamu in their possession. By working together, it is possible to prevent the theft of pounamu and protect this valuable mineral.
