Protecting Our Hills: The Controversy Around Jade Harvesting in Nelson Tasman

Protecting Our Hills: The Controversy Around Jade Harvesting in Nelson Tasman

There’s a quiet but growing concern in the Nelson Tasman region that needs to be brought into the public eye, one that affects not only our landscape but our local culture and community. A small group of individuals has begun seeking out large jade (pounamu) outcrops in our hills and mountains with the intention of cutting them up and selling them. This is not just another case of resource extraction; it’s something far more damaging.

The rockhounding community in Nelson is one of the most passionate and respectful groups of nature enthusiasts you’ll find. These are individuals who explore our rivers and landscapes with a deep appreciation for the geology, ecology, and history of our region. They understand the value of leaving things in place, of respecting the land, and of sharing knowledge rather than hoarding or destroying it for profit.

The actions of a few jade harvesters threaten all of that. Not only are these outcrops often located on private property or Department of Conservation (DOC) protected land, but the harvesting itself involves permanent destruction of natural formations, formations that have existed for millennia. Once removed, they are gone forever. What we lose is not just the rock, but the story it tells, the experience of finding it, and the opportunity for others to learn and explore respectfully.

So far, these activities have flown under the radar of local authorities, largely because the only people who are aware of them are those in the rockhound community. That needs to change. We cannot allow short sighted profiteering to take precedence over the long-term preservation of our shared natural heritage.

Why This Matters

Allowing this kind of harvesting to continue unchecked sets a dangerous precedent. It undermines local efforts to protect and celebrate the natural world. It discourages responsible fossicking and invites exploitation. And it hands over control of our local resources to those with the loudest wallets rather than those with the strongest connection to the land.

This isn’t just about rocks, it’s about respect. It’s about keeping our wild spaces wild, our treasures intact, and our communities involved in decisions that affect the places they love.

A Word on Ngāi Tahu and Pounamu in Nelson Tasman

There are also rumours surfacing that Ngāi Tahu may be seeking legal recognition or ownership over Nelson Tasman pounamu. While Ngāi Tahu are respected kaitiaki (guardians) of the pounamu found in their rohe throughout much of the South Island, it’s important to recognize that their mandate does not traditionally extend into the Nelson Tasman region.

If this move is about protection and cultural stewardship, then let it be transparent, collaborative, and inclusive of all stakeholders, including local communities, rockhounds, and tangata whenua of this region. But if it is simply a matter of restricting access or asserting control for the sake of ownership, then we must call it what it is: a deviation from the very principles of kaitiakitanga that Ngāi Tahu upholds.

True guardianship is not about hoarding or monopolies, it’s about balance, care, and shared respect for the land and its stories.

Let’s Stand Together

This issue isn’t going to solve itself. It requires awareness, conversation, and action. We urge local authorities to step in, investigate, and set clear guidelines that protect our land. We ask those involved in the harvesting to reconsider the long-term damage they are causing. And we call on our community to speak up, because the more people who know, the harder it becomes to ignore.

Nelson Tasman’s beauty, richness, and uniqueness belong to all of us, not just those who see it as a quick buck.

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