Hei Matau / Fish Hook Pounamu Pendant - NZ Greenstone | Hapopo Totoweka

Handcrafted in Hokitika, New Zealand, from genuine Hapopo Totoweka Pounamu sourced from New Zealand's West Coast, this Hei Matau pendant showcases rich natural colouring and distinctive patterns, making it a truly one-of-a-kind taonga.

Every pendant is individually photographed, so you can purchase with confidence knowing the exact piece shown is the one that will be carefully packaged and sent to you.

About Hapopo Totoweka

Hapopo Totoweka is a highly sought-after variety of West Coast Pounamu, admired for its rich green tones accented by striking reddish-brown (totoweka) markings. These natural inclusions create exceptional character and ensure every piece is completely unique.

About the Hei Matau

The Hei Matau takes its form from a traditional fish hook, and traces back to the legend of Māui, who used a hook to pull the North Island from the sea. It represents strength, prosperity, and safe passage over water, and carries a deep connection to Tangaroa, god of the sea. Traditionally carried by travellers and fishermen, it remains one of the most recognised taonga for anyone with a bond to the ocean.

Each pendant is carefully shaped and polished to highlight the natural beauty of the stone, creating a timeless taonga to wear every day or gift to someone special.

Authenticity

This pendant is authenticated through the Ngāi Tahu Pounamu scheme, the iwi-led programme that guarantees the stone is genuine New Zealand pounamu, lawfully sourced from the rivers of Te Waipounamu and carved with the cultural care it is due.

It arrives with its own authentication card carrying a unique traceability code. Entered on the Ngāi Tahu Pounamu website, that code confirms your piece as genuine New Zealand pounamu, lawfully sourced and carved under the scheme — a record that stays with your taonga.

Specifications

• Stone type: Hapopo Totoweka Pounamu
• Design: Hei Matau (Fish Hook)
• Meaning: Strength • Prosperity • Safe Travel • Abundance
• Origin: West Coast, New Zealand
• Hand carved in: Hokitika, New Zealand
• Carved by: Scott Mills
• Authentication: Ngāi Tahu Pounamu — unique traceability code
• SKU: PPHM1174
• Cord colour: Black
• Cord length: Adjustable — one size fits all
• Binding: Simple

Size

• Length (top to bottom): 62 mm
• Width (across): 37 mm
• Thickness: 8 mm

Photo Guide

• Photo 1: Back-lit to showcase the natural translucency of the Pounamu.
• Photo 2: The pendant shown in natural light without back-lighting, representing its everyday appearance.

Please Note

The translucency you see in the back-lit photo will vary depending on the colour of the light behind the stone. Held up to natural daylight, a lamp, or a phone torch, the same pendant can look noticeably different.

The colour of the pounamu may also appear slightly different on different screens, as monitors and phones don't all display colour the same way.