A manufacturer that has become licensed to purchase Ngāi Tahu Pounamu is provided with a username and password that enables them to enter the Ngāi Tahu Pounamu website. Once they have logged in they can view all raw ‘origin‘ stones that are currently for sale.
For a more detailed inspection of the stone licensed purchasers may wish to travel to the inventory stores (in Christchurch) before purchasing. Once a stone has been selected it can be purchased on the website using a credit card or debit card. If being purchased from an inventory store, internet access is available to make the purchase from the warehouse via the website.
Once purchased the stone can either be dispatched from the warehouse to the manufacturer (if bought online), or taken directly from the warehouse. Freight costs will be charged for those that chose to make an online purchase and not pick-up the stone themselves.
Manufacturing from a Stone
Once a raw stone has been purchased the manufacturer will be able to purchase authentication codes and certificates via the website.
As the manufacturer cuts the stone and carves it into end products they attach a code and certificate to each product. Each product is then digitally photographed.
The artisan logs onto the Ngāi Tahu Pounamu website, uploads the photograph, details about the carved item, the weight and dimensions of the manufactured item, and wholesale and recommended retail prices.
