27 Jun 2024The Northern Māori programme was started in 2011, and was the first of it’s kind in any of the Major Associations. As we approach Matariki, we are taking time to look back at one of our favourite projects from the last year.
The team and Māori programme, in general, is more than just a sports team. Fostering Māori talent is not only important for our cricket development but in our individual and collective Te Ao Māori journey also. Cricket can be used as the vehicle to connect Māori to their place in society. Not only do we represent our area, but we represent our people: past, present, and future.
Towards the end of the recent season, we commissioned artist David Ngawati (Ngāti Hine) to create three taonga for the three Northern Māori annual awards: McCaw Lewis Northern Māori Tāne Player of the Year; McCaw Lewis Northern Māori Wāhine Player of the Year; and Northern Māori Rangatahi Player of the Year.
David’s vision was “three taonga as distinctively different in design but same concept in form” he said. “Especially so the youth can look at the other two as their way forward in growth.”
“Uniformed but with different aspects due to the categories but they have all achieved their highest achievement therefore the shapes are of Maunga in a triangular type form.”
The first recipients were Ethan Price (Ngā Puhi), Sam Barriball (Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāi Tūhoe) and Ryan Metcalfe (Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Māhanga).
The taonga for the Tāne award is side facing (left to right), with masculine meeting in the middle ascending to the pinnacle (with layered fish scales of the northern tribal designs, linking us to the water).
The Wāhine award is side facing (right to left), with feminine koru designs of growth, nature and earthmother. Climbing to the pinnacle (with fish scales again symbolising northern area / districts our constant connection to water).
The Rangatahi award is front facing and slightly smaller. It incorporates both masculine and feminine designs, joining in the middle climbing to the pinnacle. With navigational bearing showing the way to the top (as support).
David was also the carver of the Tangiwai Shield, a Test series played between New Zealand and South Africa, introduced by New Zealand Cricket earlier this year to commemorate the tragic rail disaster of 1953. David is of Mahu Creative, based in Te Tai Tokerau-Northland. Visit https://mahucreative.com/ to see more of his work.
Special thanks to Major Partner McCaw Lewis Lawyers, the naming sponsor of our Northern Māori Wāhine and Tāne teams.
