Pounamu Export Trial Nears Conclusion in New Zealand Court
A mother and son are nearing the end of a landmark trial at Manukau District Court in New Zealand, accused of illegally attempting to export pounamu, too known as greenstone, to China. The case is believed to be the first of its kind prosecuted by New Zealand Customs, centering on allegations that the pair exceeded the legal export limit for this culturally significant stone.
Pounamu Export Regulations
Under the Customs Export Prohibition (Pounamu) Order 2021, a single exporter cannot legally remove more than 5 kilograms of raw pounamu from New Zealand without obtaining proper consent. Exporting quantities exceeding this limit requires approval from the Customs Minister, following consultation with Ngāi Tahu, the tribe that holds legal ownership of all naturally occurring pounamu within its tribal boundaries under the Ngāi Tahu (Pounamu Vesting) Act 1997.
The Case Against Xin Li and Boyuan Zhang
Boyuan Zhang and his mother, Xin Li, were apprehended at Auckland International Airport in July 2024, allegedly attempting to export 17.9 kilograms of pounamu to China. The court heard that nine stones were discovered in their carry-on and checked luggage.
The prosecution presented evidence indicating the pair had initially planned to enlist the facilitate of others to carry additional pounamu. Xiaoxen Li, a friend of Xin Li, had agreed to transport a 2.6kg stone, but the plan was abandoned at the airport, and no pounamu was found in her possession. Another individual, whose name was withheld by 1News, was also intended to carry some of the stone to London, but that arrangement also fell through.
Conflicting Accounts and the Definition of “Single Exporter”
During questioning, Zhang stated he believed the weight of the pounamu could be shared among the group, even if not all members were carrying stones. Li, through an interpreter, argued that the concept of “exportation” differed from her personally carrying the stone, and that she wasn’t exporting it because she wasn’t selling it for profit.
The court also heard that Zhang weighed most of the stones at home, recording a total weight of “less than 15kg,” but admitted to forgetting about a stone already in one bag and not weighing two smaller stones. He acknowledged that the idea to export the pounamu originated with him.
Previous Attempt by Family Member
Just two months prior to the arrest of Zhang and Li, Zhang’s father, Jiangbo Zhang, was also found attempting to export pounamu to China. Customs intercepted 61 kilograms of pounamu in his luggage, but were unable to speak with him before his boarding gate closed.
Cultural Significance and Trial Proceedings
The trial began with karakia (prayers) and song performed by members of Ngāi Tahu, highlighting the cultural importance of pounamu. Zhang addressed members of the tribe, expressing his respect and admiration for their culture. Closing submissions are expected within approximately two weeks, with a verdict to follow.