Pounamu (New Zealand greenstone or jade) is one of Aotearoa’s most culturally significant natural materials, used in Māori art, jewelry, and taonga (treasured objects). The West Coast’s greenstone industry employs polishing technicians and lapidary specialists, and some workshops recruit foreign craftspeople with visa sponsorship under the AEWV when skilled local workers are unavailable.
💚 What Does a Pounamu Polishing Technician Job Involve?
- Cutting raw pounamu boulders into workable sections using diamond saws
- Shaping pounamu into pendants, adzes, and decorative objects using grinding wheels
- Progressive polishing of pounamu from coarse to fine grits to achieve final luster
- Drilling suspension holes in pendants using precision drill presses
- Quality inspecting finished pieces for cracks, surface scratches, and color consistency
- Assisting Māori carvers with stone preparation for traditional forms
- Maintaining lapidary machinery and diamond abrasive equipment
- Packaging and labeling finished pieces for retail sale
🛂 Visa Sponsorship Process in New Zealand
AEWV process as described above. Processing: 3–8 weeks.
📋 Eligibility Requirements
- Lapidary, gemstone polishing, or stone craft experience preferred
- Fine motor skills and precision work ability
- Respect for Māori cultural significance of pounamu (cultural induction provided)
- Police clearance and valid passport
💰 Salary & Benefits
- NZD 24 – NZD 32/hour (USD 14.50 – USD 19.50/hour)
- Workshop provides all tools and materials
- West Coast NZ location — remote but extraordinarily beautiful
- Rare professional credential in culturally significant gemstone craft
Conclusion
Pounamu polishing technician jobs in New Zealand offer skilled lapidary workers a culturally profound and visa-sponsored career opportunity on the South Island’s stunning West Coast in 2026.
