"Uniquely crafted" trophy created for inaugural NZB Kiwi

A "uniquely crafted" trophy has been created to accompany the inaugural running of the NZB Kiwi.

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing has commissioned a piece by renowned carver Deane Moreton of Moko Pounamu in Christchurch to be awarded to the winner of the Southern Hemisphere's richest three-year-old horse race, which takes place in Auckland on March 8, 2025.

Named 'Te Puhoro', its contemporary design incorporates Māori imagery, including a split koru pattern representing "swiftness, speed, and agility".

The primary feature of the trophy is a pounamu stone carved in the shape of Aotearoa.

"This has been a rewarding project, allowing us to highlight the unique qualities of the pounamu we selected and showcase it alongside other native materials incorporated in this impressive trophy," said carver Moreton.

"The multi-layered effect is striking and represents whakapapa, the Māori word for ancestry and bloodline, which is of immense importance and a source of mana for Māori."

NZTR chairman Russell Warwick says 'Te Puhoro' is a fitting representation of an event he believes will become a fixture of the Summer Carnival.

"This trophy will celebrate the best of our world-class breeding and racing industry, featuring a lineup of premier three-year-olds conceived, born, or sold in New Zealand," Warwick said.

"We are thrilled to unveil this uniquely stunning piece for the sport of thoroughbred racing in New Zealand.

"This is just one part of a series of new initiatives aimed at elevating the country’s first-ever thoroughbred slot race."

The NZB Kiwi will feature New Zealand's premier three-year-old's competing over 1500m at Ellerslie Racecourse.