Te Puhoro – NZ Bloodstock Trophy
Organisation: New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing
Client: Emma Thompson
Project: Creating the Te Puhoro Trophy for the NZB Kiwi race
Background:
Moko Pounamu was 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.
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.
Bringing the inaugural NZB Kiwi trophy to life
Emma shared her experience working with the Moko Pounamu team:
Working with the team at Moreton Jewellers to bring the inaugural NZB Kiwi trophy (Te Puhoro) to life was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. Their communication was seamless and responsive, and they approached the concept with genuine care, creativity and cultural sensitivity.
From our initial conversations, they understood the importance of creating something that was not only visually striking but deeply meaningful. The result was a completely bespoke piece that honoured the prestige of The NZB Kiwi and the Thoroughbred racing industry, as well as the cultural foundations we wanted to reflect.
Te Puhoro was incredibly well received by the racing industry and has already become a talking point and a symbol of pride for the event.
Moreton Jewellers delivered the project to a very high standard, on time, and with a level of professionalism and warmth that made the entire process enjoyable.
I would absolutely work with them again and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend their services to others looking for elite craftsmanship with depth and purpose. I’m incredibly grateful for what they built for our racing industry, it was a world first and something I will never forget.
What NZ Thoroughbred Racing have said.
An unveiling to remember.
