As the first Test match commenced in Christchurch last week, the television cameras focused on the newly unveiled Crowe-Thorpe Trophy, the coveted prize for the winners of the ongoing series between New Zealand and England. On TNT Sports, Alastair Cook expressed his admiration. “It’s rare for boards to get things just right, but this trophy is exceptional,” he remarked, “and whoever conceived the idea, it’s truly fantastic.” The creative mind behind this masterpiece is Maori artist David Ngawati. “I presented various concepts and drawings to New Zealand cricket,” he explains. “It’s a collaborative effort. People share their stories, and I develop concepts from those narratives, then they choose what resonates with them.”
What emerged was far from a conventional silver cup. The final taonga features an auburn wooden base that cradles a sculpture crafted from two distinct and cherished pieces of willow—the bat used by Martin Crowe to score a century against England in 1994 and the one Graham Thorpe wielded to score two centuries against New Zealand in 1997. Viewed from different angles, it resembles an inverted canoe or a toucan’s beak. The design is adorned with a flowing pattern and inlaid with circular pieces of jade on each side, specifically a stone known as inanga, a type of pounamu.
“It symbolizes a pinnacle, the highest mountain or viewpoint, with the base representing the foundation that supports reaching such heights,” Ngawati elaborates. “This includes their family members, clubs, community—everyone who supported them is the foundation for their ascent. The pounamu signifies the ultimate, the treasured gem at the mountain’s peak.” The creation of the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy spanned about a month, beginning with discussions with New Zealand Cricket about the design, followed by consultations with the players’ families to obtain their bats, and culminating in the crafting of the taonga.
“It was a lengthy process for New Zealand Cricket to secure the bat from Graham’s wife,” Ngawati recounts. “They are still in the grieving process, so we are deeply grateful for their trust in us to create this tribute.” The trophy is rich in meaning and thought, fostering deep conversations. “I spent a long time with this trophy,” Ngawati shares. “I received these bats and considered them as the weapons they used to battle different countries. To work with them, I connected with their energy, their essence. The best word to describe it is ‘connect.’ I strive to connect with the people I work with as deeply as possible.”
Ngawati also designed the Tangiwai Shield, which New Zealand won by defeating South Africa in last year’s Test series. Both trophies serve as celebrations and memorials. “I believe this is part of the healing process,” says Ngawati, whose company, Mahu Creative, specializes in creating custom taonga. “I am a co-creator, merely the vessel. The story holds significant weight and can take a toll, but I’ve experienced much grief and loss, which is part of my journey. We are all on a human journey, transitioning to the spiritual realm. The top of the trophy symbolizes their ascent to whatever people envision. It’s important to let them go, acknowledging their time here. For the younger generation, it’s their turn to embark on their journey.”
Ngawati is already collaborating on new projects with CNZ. “In New Zealand, once trust is established with a carver, especially one connected to the land, opportunities continue to arise,” he notes. “However, I am only as good as my last creation.” Having never attended a first-class game before, Ngawati was in Christchurch for the start of the first Test. “It was a welcoming experience. I enjoyed interacting with the English supporters and meeting some of Graham Thorpe’s family friends. However, it’s not my usual scene—I wouldn’t spend money to attend such events.”
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