Pounamu

Pounamu is found only in the South Island. Because of this, the South island was originally named Te Wāhi Pounamu (the place of pounamu), but over time this name changed to Te Wai Pounamu (the greenstone waters).

Traditionally, the pounamu in the Arahura River has been most important for Poutini Ngāi Tahu (Ngāi Tahu people on the West Coast), with the junction of this river and Waitaiki (Olderog) Stream being particularly important. Te Ara: Encyclopedia of New Zealand

Poutini, the guardian of Pounamu and a taniwha (a giant water being), snatched a beautiful Māori woman, Waitaiki, from the North Island.

He brought her south eventually to the Arahura River but her husband Tamaahua gave chase.

Fearing Tamaahua's strength and determination, Poutini decided that if he could not have Waitaiki, no-one would.

He transformed her into his likeness, Pounamu, and laid her in the cold waters of the river.

The jade fragments that break off and roll down the river to the sea are known as Waitaiki’s children.