At the beginning of the 19th Century, Ngāti Waewae, a tribal affiliate of Ngai Tahu, laid claim to the ownership of the West Coast through conquest. Today, Ngāti Waewae are centred at Arahura Pa, a Māori Reserve, where the people are known as kaitiaki (guardians) of pounamu (greenstone). Ngāti Waewae occupation has been sustained by the beautiful treasure known as pounamu, a prized possession of their people. Waewae Pounamu is totally owned and operated by Ngāti Waewae, which lies within the heart of “Greenstone Isle” – Te Waipounamu, the South Island of New Zealand.
