Brought the trophy to be added to a family money tree (wishing well) to be passed on to each grandchild on their 21st. This trophy/tree is adorned with things that represent that child. Our fire fighter was the first in this generation
Māori Waka Canoe Stern Leadership Trophy
SKU: TW09
- Regular price
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$109.00 - Regular price
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- Sale price
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$109.00
Shipping calculated at checkout.
This NZ made trophy depicts the stern of a Māori canoe (waka). It is the perfect trophy to recognise leadership, given that the navigator of the waka is the leader of the paddlers. Today the taurapa (stern piece) trophy signifies authority and leadership.
The stern piece is called the Taurapa, and just like a real waka, the trophy encorporates the takarangi spiral. The takarangi spiral is a double spiral, running both inwards and outwards, and represents different beliefs to different Māori. For some, the open spiral represents the start of human creation, when light and knowledge entered the world. For others, the spirals represent linking of knowledge and experience through time. On a waka, the open spirals allow wind and water to pass through, helping to balance and stabililse the waka.
The two native paua shell ribs are believed to represent ira-atua (the gods) and ira-tangata (humans), signifying that the spiritual world flows through us.
The Taurapa Trophy comes in two sizes:
Small: approximately 165mm (6 1/2") tall
Large: approximately 255mm (10") tall
The Waka Stern Post Trophy is made from Pacific Rimu (Podocarp), and is proudly made in New Zealand. The design is embellished with native New Zealand Paua shell, both on the trophy and its base.
ENGRAVING: We are happy to get the stand engraved with a gold plaque for you as an optional extra, so you can mark a special occasion. Other options are laser engraving into the wood, or paua engraving.
Steps:
a) For the small trophy: Choose up to 7 words for a plaque or laser engraving, or up to 9 characters (and only in CAPITALS) for paua engraving. For the large trophy: Choose up to 10 words for plaque or laser, or up to 12 characters for paua engraving.
b) Select the Engraved option in the Option box below.
c) Enter your words in the Engraving Wording box. (If you can't see the Engraving Wording box, it means you haven't selected the Engraved option yet).
Allow 3-4 days for engraving to be done. If you need an emblem engraved into the wood, please get in touch for us to provide you with a quote.
There is also the option of purchasing the trophy nestled in a deluxe black gift box, making it perfect as a presentation gift.
Proudly made in New Zealand, and shipped worldwide.
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Average Shipping Times
| Australia | up to a week |
| USA/Canada | up to 2 weeks |
| UK/ASIA | up to 10 days |
| Europe | up to 2 weeks |
| Rest of World | variable (chat with us) |
| NZ | 1-4 business days |
Shipping Support & Guarantee
While lost parcels are rare, we’ve got your back if it happens. If your order goes missing, we will work directly with our shipping partners to track it down.
International postal investigations can take a little time, but if your parcel is officially lost, we will immediately ship a replacement or provide a full refund. Rest assured, we'll see you right.
RETURNS/REFUNDS
30-day Refunds. 60-day Exchanges/Credits. Conditions apply. Click here for full details.
SHIPS FROM NEW ZEALAND, TO THE WORLD.
Customer Reviews
Overall rating: 5.0 / 5 from 37 reviews.
This was a fitting farewell gift to one of the greatest leaders in the disability sector in Taranaki. As he always says "There is no "i" in team" so we had the expression "He Waka Eke Noa - We’re All In This Together" engraved on the plaque. It was perfect.
The receiver of this gift was extremely humbled. See photo for his Facebook post.
I just wanted to say that the trophies we ordered are absolutely amazing! We love them, and they truly mean a lot to us. They are exactly what we wanted for our special awards evening, and I would highly recommend your store, everything was perfect.
This was a new taonga for our Māori and Pasifika prizegiving. The student who won it was very proud to receive it.
Very good service presentation was very well received
Love it, Exactly the gift that I wanted to give to someone special
I am incredibly honoured to receive the Māori Waka Canoe Stern Leadership Trophy. To be recognised with an award that represents leadership, teamwork, and service is both humbling and inspiring. Leadership, much like paddling a waka, is never about one person. It is about working together, supporting one another, and moving forward with a shared purpose. I have been fortunate to work alongside many wonderful people who have encouraged and challenged me throughout my journey. As someone who has made New Zealand my home, receiving an award that carries such strong Māori values means a great deal to me. It reminds me of the importance of respect, community, and serving others—values I strive to bring to my work every day. I am truly grateful for this recognition and will continue to lead with integrity, kindness, and a commitment to making a positive difference in my community. Ngā mihi nui to everyone who has supported me along the way. Linden Gomes
Perfect gift for grandsons 21st
Awesome
presented to boss by crew. well received
Very happy with the quality of the products I purchased and the service I received from ordering to receipt of products.
Amazing product!
Awesome service and product. Arrived on time. Thank you.
The trophies were beautiful. Our staff and wider school community loved them.
Perfect! We needed a taonga for our Junior Prize Giving and this is perfect. It arrived in time and the ākonga and whānau were stoked.
Great to deal with - got us the piece custom laser etched and shipped within 48 hours. Great service!
I am happy to report that the person we purchased the gift for was very pleased with the gift. It was very meaningful to them.
Was for a 30yr work anniversary and the person who received it absolutely loved it
This is a lovely leadership trophy. Beautifully constructed and the story behind it holds true to how a leader needs to manage themselves in both calm and choppy waters.
Really quick and easy to order. It arrived beautifully packaged and exactly as described on the website. The engraving was high quality and the person it was gifted to loved it. I can definitely recommend and would purchase from here again.
Exactly as described, very beautiful and great price for the quality. Thank you.
beautiful taonga
Great piece of art that was greatly appreciated byvtve recipient
Awesome Trophies - Meaningful patterns and suitable for our students.
Great product and great delivery time was so satisfied with it
Fantastic product and service. Will definitely purchase from here again.
Great service and product was on the money. Nga mihi
My moko loved her taonga
It was a gift for a mentor and leader. He loved it and the context behind it was wonderful which he appreciated
I was over the moon when I opened my package. Was even better than I had expected. I gave it to my son for his 21st birthday as an alternative to a 21st key. Everyone commented how beautiful it was. I will definitely be buying again something different from you for my daughter who is 21 next year.
Really great gift idea! Large size is great and gift box is professional. Wood is solid and beautiful
Beautiful piece for my daughter’s 21st Birthday she absolutely loves it and was so surprised when she received it. So nice to be be able to give her something from home ❤️
Always impressed with the quality and timeliness of this wonderful company!
Great comms and fast service.
So much more than I expected. Description was bang on. Chat help was fabulous. Delivery was much sooner than anticipated. So appreciative. Thank you so Much.
Excellent communications and really fast delivery. Item was exactly as described, inscription was very nice.