ABOUT US
History
When they lifted the boulder, the sand beneath sparkled with gold.
In January 1864, four Māori were working the Hohonu Creek searching for pounamu — the sacred greenstone their people had traded across Aotearoa for 500 years. Haimona Tuakau, Ihaia Tainui, Iwikau te Aika and Irihāpeti Pātahi found a large boulder embedded deep in the riverbed. Using levers cut from the bush, they rolled it clear.
Beneath it, gold.
It was no coincidence. Pounamu and gold are born from the same ancient forces — mountains grinding down over millennia, rivers carrying both treasures to the valley floor. The people who knew these rivers intimately found what others had walked past for years.
Their discovery lit the fuse for the West Coast gold rush. Thousands poured in. Ships foundered on the bar. Men froze crossing the Alps. A Pākehā associate filed the claim and took the credit. The Māori hunters who made the find were written out of the story.
But the rivers remember. And now, so will you.
Our Story
Polish & Pan is a hands-on gold panning experience located in the heart of Hokitika on New Zealand's West Coast. Inspired by the region's legendary 1860s gold rush, we offer guided, all-weather activities that bring that history to life for families, travellers and first-timers alike.
Every visitor is guaranteed to uncover real West Coast gold and leave with an authentic keepsake. With small group sessions and a retail store featuring locally crafted gold products, it's a genuine slice of West Coast heritage you can take home.
Meet The Team
Brook Robinson
Kia ora, I’m Brook, the founder of Polish & Pan, and a third-generation West Coast gold miner with a lifelong love for jade.
Gold is in my blood. My grandad was a miner, my father was a miner, and I grew up on the claim myself, starting out with a sluice box as a kid and later working with a digger feeding two gold screens. Those early days taught me the thrill of finding colour and the respect that comes with working the rivers and land of the Coast.
Alongside gold, I’ve always been drawn to jade: its beauty, its history, and the way a rough piece can be shaped into something meaningful. That passion grew stronger over the years, and eventually I knew I wanted to share both traditions with others.
After more than a decade as a qualified carpenter, I brought all those skills together to create Polish & Pan — an immersive space where people can experience real West Coast gold panning and carve their own jade piece.
I personally rebuilt the entire workshop at 20 Weld Street, crafting a place that reflects the heritage, creativity, and hard work that shaped my family and my life.
Whether you’re discovering gold for the first time or shaping your own jade pendant, I’m here to help you enjoy the same passion and pride that inspired this journey.
Founder
Shaun Drylie
Kia Ora, I’m Shaun, Brook’s business partner (and uncle) at Polish & Pan. The West Coast shaped my respect for craft and community.
My late father John served two terms as mayor of Hokitika and lead community initiatives for 35 years. My mum Jan continues to contribute to the community.
With Brook’s parents, I co-founded Made Of Gold to celebrate Coast alluvial gold and mentor Coast youth.
I also advise the regional development agency, Development West Coast (DWC), supporting sustainable economic growth.
Now, as Managing Director of Carbn.nz, I build connected, sustainable mobility across New Zealand.
My wife Susan and I proudly back Brook’s vision. You’ll treasure both your piece and your own connection to the Coast.
Partner
Make your visit to Hokitika unforgettable!
Uncover real West Coast gold or shape your own pounamu pendant — and leave with a meaningful memento and memories you'll carry forever.