The Plunket Shield is a prestigious trophy awarded in New Zealand for the annual first-class cricket competition. Named after Sir William Plunket, the shield was first introduced in 1907 and is contested by regional teams in the Plunket Shield tournament. The competition is a key part of New Zealand's domestic cricket structure and helps identify talent for the national team. The trophy is awarded to the team that accumulates the most points throughout the season, with matches played in a four-day format. The Plunket Shield is highly regarded in New Zealand cricket, symbolizing excellence and sportsmanship among the country's top players.