Pounamu Toki Polished | LargeNZ Pounamu hand carved in Hokitika, New Zealand. This flecked, very dark piece of Pounamu is polished and invites touch with its smooth, tactile surface. Bound intricately at the top. Called nephrite jade by geologists, pounamu by Maori, and greenstone by early settlers, pounamu was originally carved and sharpened into tools and weapons, as well as decorative ornaments. The natural beauty of pounamu has many colour variations and classifications.