Honouring achievement with timeless taonga
Working with you.
At Moko Pounamu, we create awards and recognition pieces that carry deep meaning and lasting value. Whether you’re acknowledging excellence at a school, celebrating business milestones, or recognising community leadership, we can help you replace more traditional trophies with something truly special.
Our team has experience designing and crafting bespoke pounamu awards for a wide range of occasions – from large sets of trophies for schools or national competitions, to one-off commissioned pieces like the Te Pūhoro NZ Bloodstock Trophy, which features in our case study portfolio. Each award is crafted with intention, designed to be treasured for generations.
If you’re seeking to reflect mana, connection and significance in your awards, Moko Pounamu is here to help you create a custom solution.
One-of-a-Kind
Commissioned Trophies.
Some events call for something truly special. The Te Puhoro NZ Bloodstock trophy, featured in one of our case studies, is a striking example of what can be achieved when design, story and carving come together.
This taonga was a fully custom piece, designed in partnership with a local studio and carved by our team using specially selected pounamu. The result was a trophy that reflected both the prestige of the racing event and the cultural significance of the name Te Puhoro.
We welcome opportunities to collaborate with event organisers, designers or artists to create unique awards that will stand out, be treasured, and form part of your event’s identity for years to come.
Awards for Schools and Businesses.
Pounamu awards are increasingly being used by schools and kura to replace traditional silver or plastic trophies. A suite of beautifully carved taonga presented each year not only recognises student achievement, but strengthens connection to culture and place.
Businesses are also embracing this approach, recognising staff or team success through custom pounamu awards. These can be created in sets, each with engraving or presentation options that reflect your values and brand.
Conference Delegate Gifts.
Alongside our larger award pieces, we also offer smaller-scale taonga ideal for conferences and special events. These can be given to keynote speakers, panel chairs, honoured guests, or delegates as a reminder of their time in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Pounamu or bone pendants, brooches and small carvings are popular choices – each piece can be presented with a short explanation of its meaning, and can be customised to reflect your kaupapa or event branding. These pieces are light and easy to carry, making them ideal gifts for international attendees or events held across the motu.
Our team will work with you to create delegate gifts that feel personal, distinctive, and in keeping with the values of your gathering.
Talk to us about your Awards.
We can help you plan a set of recurring awards, a standalone taonga, or even a complete trophy redesign. Presentation options include rimu or cast iron bases, engraved plaques, and custom packaging to suit formal events or private ceremonies.
To explore what’s possible, contact our corporate team or use the enquiry form below to start the conversation.
Case Study: Te Puhoro – NZ Bloodstock Trophy
The Moko Pounamu team were honoured to be 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.
Not only did Moko Pounamu, in collaboration with Frontal Lobe, design and create the main trophy, we also created a number of smaller versions to be presented to the slotholders and jockeys of the winning horse.
What our clients have said.
Ready to bring your vision to life?
Complete our Quote Form for a no-obligation estimate, or contact us directly to discuss your needs.
