Trophy created by Moko Pounamu and Frontal Lobe

At Moko Pounamu, we are honoured to have been chosen by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) to contribute to a significant piece of New Zealand’s sporting history – the creation of Te Puhoro, the trophy for the inaugural running of the Southern Hemisphere’s richest three-year-old horse race, the NZB Kiwi.

This prestigious race, scheduled for 8 March 2025 at Ellerslie Racecourse, represents a major milestone in New Zealand’s Thoroughbred racing scene, and we are proud to have played a key role in crafting a trophy that embodies the mana of this extraordinary event.

The Design of Te Puhoro: Symbolism and Craftsmanship

At the heart of Te Puhoro is the collaboration between Moko Pounamu and Christchurch-based design company Frontal Lobe. The contemporary design, brought to life through a stunning split Koru pattern, symbolises swiftness, speed, and agility – characteristics central to the racehorses competing in this world-class event.

The Koru design, significant in Māori culture, also represents a storm or tempest, perfectly reflecting the powerful and often fiery nature of a stallion. For Moko Pounamu, incorporating Māori imagery into the design was an essential element of this project, as it reflects both the dynamic spirit of the race and the deeper cultural connections to the land and its people.

The Pounamu: Carving the Soul of Aotearoa

One of the most striking features of Te Puhoro is the incorporation of pounamu, sourced from the rugged landscapes of South Westland. The Hāpopo variety of pounamu used in the trophy was carefully selected for its unique qualities and was carved into the silhouette of Aotearoa, symbolising the connection between the land, the people, and the sport.

At Moko Pounamu, we take great pride in ensuring that every piece of pounamu we work with tells its own story. For Te Puhoro, the choice of Hāpopo pounamu was deliberate – its strength and beauty reflect the prestige and history of New Zealand’s Thoroughbred industry. It was a rewarding experience for our owner Deane Moreton to work with this stone, and to highlight its natural beauty alongside other native materials featured in the trophy’s design.

Whakapapa and Mana: Layers of Meaning

The multi-layered design of Te Puhoro holds special significance for us at Moko Pounamu. Each layer represents whakapapa, the Māori concept of ancestry and lineage, which is a powerful source of mana for Māori and holds a deep connection to the race itself. Just as the whakapapa of each competing horse tells the story of its lineage, so too does this trophy represent the ancestry and bloodlines of Aotearoa, adding another layer of significance to this momentous event.

A Collaborative Effort

Working alongside the talented team at Frontal Lobe, we were able to bring Te Puhoro to life through the fusion of traditional carving techniques and contemporary design. Our work was supported by acclaimed writer and poet Ben Brown, who helped guide the naming process of this special piece. Additionally, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei honoured Te Puhoro with a blessing ceremony, adding a spiritual element to the unveiling of this unique taonga.

A Symbol of Excellence in Racing

NZTR Chairman Russell Warwick expressed the significance of Te Puhoro, noting its role in celebrating New Zealand’s world-class breeding and racing industry. The trophy will be awarded to the winner of the NZB Kiwi race – a race featuring the top three-year-old Thoroughbreds conceived, born, or sold in New Zealand.

We at Moko Pounamu are proud to have contributed to this initiative, which not only elevates New Zealand’s Thoroughbred racing but also honours the deep cultural connections embedded in the land and its people.

As we look ahead to the NZB Kiwi on 8 March 2025, we are excited to see Te Puhoro awarded to a worthy winner – a symbol of both sporting excellence and the enduring legacy of pounamu, forever tied to the land and people of Aotearoa.