PARIS : No matter where they finish in their Olympic events, the entire New Zealand team will head away from Paris with something precious around their necks - "pounamu" pendants made by a Maori ...

Tahutahi, the pounamu some refer to as "snowflake", is known for its vibrant green hue with white flecks and can only be found on the Cascade Plateau, south of Haast.

New Zealand rower Phillip Wilson shows his "pounamu" pendant in the mixed zone at the Vaires-sur-Mar Nautical Stadium, Paris, France August 2, 2024. REUTERS/Philip O'Connor Purchase Licensing Rights ...