Pounamu export ban extended

Pounamu export ban extended
Ian Llewellyn
The export ban on pounamu has been extended indefinitely by the government.Cabinet papers from May show ministers decided the long-running ban should stay in place until a policy review is completed in 2024.Pounamu in its natural state, and partly or wholly-processed pounamu, has been prohibited from export since 1947, without government approval. Articles made from pounamu, including jewellery and sculptures, are exempt.Before 1997, a large proportion of naturally-occurring pounamu was Crown owned, but this was transferred to Te Rūnanga o Ngāi...