A mother and son are nearing the end of a trial at Manukau District Court, accused of attempting to illegally export pounamu – Recent Zealand greenstone – to China.
Pounamu Export Case Underway
The case is believed to be the first of its kind prosecuted by New Zealand Customs, centering on allegations that Boyuan Zhang and his mother, Xin Li, attempted to export more than the legally allowed amount of the culturally significant stone. Under the Customs Export Prohibition (Pounamu) Order 2021, a single exporter cannot seize more than 5kgs of raw pounamu out of New Zealand without proper consent.
In July 2024, Zhang and Li were found with 17.9kgs of pounamu in their luggage at Auckland International Airport, while attempting to travel to China. Just two months prior, Zhang’s father, Jiangbo Zhang, was likewise found attempting to export pounamu to China.
The trial began with karakia and song performed by members of the South Island iwi, Ngāi Tahu. Zhang addressed members of the tribe during his testimony, stating, “I want to say to the friends sitting at the back, I 100% respect your culture. Actually, I love the culture. That’s why I love the stone.”
Customs officials discovered a total of nine stones in the pair’s carry-on and checked luggage. Exporting over 5kgs of pounamu requires approval from the Customs Minister, following consultation with Ngāi Tahu. For pounamu sourced from the Arahura River, consent from the Mawhera Incorporation, representing local Māori landowners, is also required for exports exceeding 5kgs.
The defendants initially planned to have two other individuals carry some of the pounamu in their luggage. One individual, Xiaoxen Li, had agreed to carry 2.6kg, but the plan was abandoned at the airport. Another person, traveling onward to London, was also intended to carry a portion of the stone, but this arrangement was also cancelled when it was realized their luggage was destined for London directly.
During questioning, Zhang stated he weighed most of the stones at home, recording a total weight of “less than 15kg,” but admitted he forgot about one stone already packed and didn’t weigh two smaller stones. He acknowledged it was his idea to transport the pounamu to China. Xin Li told Customs officials, “Every person is allowed 5kg, and there were four of us, so really, it was lawful.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the legal limit for exporting pounamu?
Under the Customs Export Prohibition (Pounamu) Order 2021, a single exporter cannot take more than 5kgs of raw pounamu out of New Zealand without proper consent.
Who holds legal ownership of pounamu within its tribal boundaries?
The Ngāi Tahu tribe holds legal ownership of all naturally occurring pounamu within its tribal boundaries under the Ngāi Tahu (Pounamu Vesting) Act 1997.
When were Boyuan Zhang and Xin Li found with pounamu at Auckland Airport?
Boyuan Zhang and Xin Li were found carrying 17.9kgs of pounamu in July 2024.
As the trial nears its conclusion, closing submissions are expected in approximately two weeks, after which a verdict will be delivered.
Worth a look