The New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has officially unveiled a new trophy for their New Zealand vs. South Africa Test series on Friday (February 2), calling it the Tangiwai Shield, find out more about it below along with its design meaning and photo
The trophy unveil comes just two days ahead of the highly anticipated New Zealand vs. South Africa Test series.
What is the Tangiwai Shield trophy for the New Zealand vs South Africa Test series, meaning, origin, design and photo
The 'Tangiwai Shield' trophy unveiled for series between NZ vs SA pic.twitter.com/ekemeGmwD8
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The upcoming test series between the two countries is a two-match affair taking place across two venues.
New Zealand vs South Africa Test series new trophy
Notably, the new trophy has been introduced to honor the tragic incident of 1953, when New Zealand saw one of its worst rail accidents. The tragic accident claimed the lives of 151 passengers who were boarding the Wellington to Auckland train on Christmas eve. Among those victims was Nerissa Love, who was the fiancé of New Zealand fast bowler Bob Blair. Nerissa was just 21 years old at the time of her death.
When the accident took place, Blair was taking part in the second Test match between South Africa and New Zealand. The match took place at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on December 24. Following the incident, the New Zealand team awoke the next day, Boxing Day, to the news of the catastrophe. The team was reportedly gathered to celebrate Christmas at their team hotel that day. Following the tragic Tangiwai rail tragedy, all flags were lowered to half-mast in honor. As a result of the incident, Blair withdrew from the match and remained at the hotel to continue grieving.
Tangiwai Shield trophy design
Ngati Hine carver David Ngawati designed the Tangiwai Shield trophy, and it features an inlaid mere made of pounamu. Notably, pounamu is a type of stone obtained from the Tangiwai region and crafted from puriri, which is a native timber of New Zealand. Ahead of the event, the organizers sanctified the shield and gave it to both teams in Tauranga on Friday (February 2). According to Scott Weenink, who is the NZC chief executive, the Shield serves as a worthy tribute to one of the greatest tales of sporting bravery in the history of New Zealand. According to Scott:
The background to this Test match is one of the most sad and moving and heart-breaking stories imaginable. It’s also an uplifting story of incredible courage and resilience, and in terms of the South African team and public, great compassion and empathy. I’m delighted to see this very important part of cricket history properly recognised and acknowledged.”
Meanwhile, Cricket South Africa (CSA) chief executive Pholetsi Moseki also acknowledged the gesture and stated the following:
On behalf of CSA, I send my best wishes to everyone who was touched by this tragedy, and to both teams contesting the inaugural trophy. It‘s important that the teams of today and tomorrow know where they came from, and I’m sure the Tangiwai Shield will do much to assist with that.”
New Zealand vs South Africa Test series full schedule
Given below is the full schedule for the upcoming series:
| Match | Date | Venue |
| 1st Test | February 4-8 | Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui |
| 2nd Test | February 13-17 | Seddon Park, Hamilton |