Almost 400 pieces and boulders of pounamu illegally taken from the Jackson River have been recovered, following a tipoff from a member of the public.
In a statement, police said Inspector Tracey Wharehoka was notified by Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio, representing the local hapū Ngāi Māhaki, that a vehicle had been seen heading up the river on May 28.
It appeared the occupants were collecting pounamu, police said.
A 1kg piece of raw pounamu could fetch $100.
Public fossicking for pounamu was only allowed only on beaches. Rivers were able to be fossicked by Ngāi Tahu members, but only with a permit from their local hapū to do so legally.
Police said the people linked to the vehicle and trailer did not have any authority to be prospecting.
Staff from Franz Joseph were sent to locate and intercept the vehicle. Police were then stopped the vehicle and recovered the stolen pounamu. Two men, aged in their 30s were spoken to and police were considering laying charges.
“This matter will be continued to be investigated and through the resolution process the pounamu will be returned to the hapū,” police said.
Wharehoka said police took pride in working alongside hapū, and the theft of pounamu was treated with the same value and commitment as other stolen property.
“We are pleased we were able to move quickly and intercept these alleged thieves in the act.”
The inspector said the recovery showed isolated areas were far from easy crime targets.
“People are often under the impression that, because some of these West Coast locations are remote, no one else is watching.
“This incident proves that is simply not true, and our tight-knit community have their eyes and ears switched on for any unusual activity.”
Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio chairman, Paul Madgwick expressed gratitude from the iwi for the swift response of police for what has been an ongoing problem with theft of itws taonga, especially in remote areas.
“While the Vesting Act confirms that all pounamu is owned by Ngāi Tahu, our respective pounamu management plans provide an opportunity for the public to fossick freely on the beaches, and also recognise the right of Ngāi Tahu members to collect pounamu themselves, within boundaries.
“Anyone who is unsure of the rules around pounamu gathering, or has pounamu in their possession and is unclear about ownership, whether they’re the general public or Ngāi Tahu whanau, is urged to reach out to the local rūnanga to understand what is permissible.”
Inspector Wharehoka said the protection and recovery of pounamu was just as much about education and knowledge as it was about detection and enforcement.
“We will continue to work with local iwi and those involved for the best action and outcome for all,” Wharehoka said.