In the lead-up to the first Test between New Zealand and England in Christchurch, the cameras focused on the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy, the new prize awaiting the winner of their series. The trophy, named after two legendary cricketers, Martin Crowe and Graham Thorpe, drew praise from former England captain Alastair Cook, who called it a brilliant design. The creative mind behind this unique trophy is Māori artist David Ngawati, who worked closely with New Zealand Cricket to bring the vision to life.
Ngawati’s process was deeply personal and thoughtful, informed by his connections to both the players and the story they shared. The final design is far from a traditional silver cup; it features an auburn wooden base holding a sculpture made of two significant pieces of willow bats that Crowe and Thorpe used to score memorable centuries in the 1990s. The shape of the sculpture, which resembles an upturned canoe or a toucan’s beak from various angles, holds deep symbolic meaning. It’s decorated with a simple, flowing pattern and inlaid with jade, known as inanga or pounamu in Māori culture. This stone is considered a treasure, representing the pinnacle of achievement, while the bat’s wooden base symbolizes the foundation of support from family, clubs, and communities.
Ngawati explains that the design process was a co-creation, where he worked with New Zealand Cricket to explore different concepts. “People tell me the story, and then I create concepts from that,” he says. The collaboration also involved liaising with the families of Crowe and Thorpe to acquire their bats, a delicate and emotional step, particularly in Thorpe’s case as his family was still in the early stages of grief. Ngawati felt privileged to be entrusted with the creation of a trophy that pays tribute to both players.
The connection Ngawati feels with the material is evident in his description of working with the bats. He reflects on how the bats were not just instruments for playing cricket, but “weapons” used in their battles on the field. This connection goes beyond the physical; Ngawati describes a sensory experience when handling the bats. “I talk to them, I feel the energy that’s there, I can smell the sweat,” he says. His personal connection to the project was also informed by his own genealogy his grandfather, whom he never met, was English, and this connection helped him bridge the gap between the cultures represented in the design.
The creation of the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy also took on a more emotional and spiritual dimension. Ngawati sees his work as part of a broader journey, both personal and collective. The process of creating the trophy, he says, is about understanding the deeper connections between the players, their families, and the sport itself. He refers to the design as a “spiritual journey,” one that acknowledges the passing of time and the ongoing legacy of the players. “Letting them go is important,” he reflects, “They’ve done their time here. For the younger people coming up, it’s for them to start on their journey now.”
Ngawati, who also created the Tangiwai Shield commemorating a tragic train crash in New Zealand’s history has a strong sense of the emotional weight that trophies like the Crowe-Thorpe carry. They are not just awards; they are symbols of remembrance and celebration, and also of mourning. “There’s a lot of depth in it, a lot of thought,” he says. “There’s a process in that too. It’s all part of life’s journey.”
His work with New Zealand Cricket is ongoing, with more projects in the pipeline. Ngawati values the trust established with the organization, especially in a field where long-term relationships with artists are important. Despite his growing involvement in the cricket world, Ngawati admits that attending matches isn’t something he would typically do for pleasure. However, he enjoyed the experience in Christchurch, particularly meeting members of Thorpe’s family and hearing from supporters who were eager to see the trophy up close.
Through his creations, Ngawati bridges past and present, culture and sport, and grief and celebration. The Crowe-Thorpe Trophy stands not just as a symbol of sporting excellence, but as a deeply meaningful work of art, infused with the stories, struggles, and triumphs of those it commemorates.
