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Story: Kōhatu – Māori use of stone

New Zealand’s stone resources

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New Zealand’s stone resources

Stone resources that were discovered and used by Māori are found at different sites around the country. Stone was highly valued in pre-European times as Māori did not have metal tools. Pounamu (New Zealand jade) was found only in the South Island, but was traded throughout the country. Obsidian from Tūhua (Mayor Island) was exported as far away as the Chatham Islands and Raoul Island in the Kermadecs.

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Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand

Source: Malcolm McKinnon, ed. Bateman New Zealand historical atlas. Auckland: Bateman, 1987

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How to cite this page

Phil Moore and Bruce McFadgen, Kōhatu – Māori use of stone – Stone tools, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/map/8878/new-zealands-stone-resources (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Phil Moore and Bruce McFadgen, published 2 March 2009.