The "Partington Cup" has traditionally been presented to the fastest of any adult
Canterbury crew. Up till 2008, teams have had to come straight from a Corporate/Open final and back it up with a very hardout race. From 2009, the Partington is presented to the fastest times on the day in the 500m course.
That time might be recorded in any race (heats or final).
At the South Island Champs in 2010, Aoraki commissioned a beautiful carved trophy to take the place of the Partington Cup.
Artist Alex McLeod, of Tu Meke club explains "The overall shape of the main carved figure represents a waka.
"The top and the head of the figure represents the peak of Aoraki Mountain looking over the waters of the South Island as Aoraki is the highest mountain in New Zealand.
"There are many meanings to the designs carved on the figure - one is Kowhaiwhai which means growth, sprituality, new beginings and harmony and on the figure I have also used it to represent the water and the cresents between is representing the ripples in the water". |