A mother and son have been convicted in New Zealand over an attempt to illegally export a stone that is sacred to Maori culture. The case centered on pounamu, a green-colored stone. The two were found guilty of trying to take the stone out of the country. The conviction has been described as the first of its kind.
The pair have been identified as Bo Yuan Zhang and his mother, Xin Li. They were found guilty of attempting to illegally export 18 kilograms of pounamu. The quantity points to a deliberate effort rather than a small personal amount. The matter was treated by the authorities as a case of smuggling.
For their part in the attempt, the two received a financial penalty. They were sentenced and fined a total of 5,000 New Zealand dollars. The sentence brings their part of the case to a close. It also establishes a formal outcome in the courts.
The intended destination of the stones was outside New Zealand. The rare pounamu was bound for China. According to the report, China has emerged as a top destination for smugglers of the stone. That demand abroad is part of what drives the illegal trade.
The significance of the case goes beyond the two individuals involved. Pounamu is a stone that holds sacred meaning in Maori culture. A sub-tribe group situated on the South Island welcomed the conviction. For them, protecting the stone is closely tied to protecting their heritage.
Those who pursued the case see it as a landmark moment. They described it as the first conviction of its kind in the country. As a result, it now sets a precedent for similar cases in the future. The outcome was welcomed as a deterrent against further smuggling.
The case may not be the end of the matter for the family. The father is due to appear in court within the next month or so. He faces accusations of trying to smuggle a far larger amount, around 60 to 70 kilograms, out of the country a month earlier. That hearing is expected to be watched as the next step.