Do I need to bring my own whānau [family] Korowai?

Yes, you will need to bring your own whānau Korowai. Because of their cultural significance and what they represent, we cannot provide this at the studio.

When should a Korowai be worn?

A Korowai represents the mana of a person and is worn as a mantle of prestige and honour. They are most commonly worn on special occasions, whether a significant hui and coming together of people, the birth of a new pēpi or a significant graduation or birthday.

Can I wear a Korowai if I am not Māori?

Many people wonder if it’s appropriate for someone who is not Māori to be gifted or loaned a Korowai to wear? For centuries, cloaks have been gifted to manuhiri [guests] to our country as a form of respect and to honour the individual in a way that only Māori culture can.

What are the main differences between the styles of Māori cloaks?

Korowai is the name of a Muka [flax fibre/fine threads] cloak with Hukahuka adornment [tassels], while Kākahu is the Māori word for clothing, however in reference to a cloak it is more commonly used when describing a full feather cloak. Other names include Pake, Kahi Koati, Kahu Huruhuru, Kahu Kiwi, and Kaitaka.

How are Māori cloaks made?

Traditionally all raranga and weaving are handmade with harakeke [flax] hand worked into Muka. Traditional Korowai and Kakahu can take up to one year to weave. Contemporary cloaks may use cotton cord as opposed to hand-processed Muka and can take two to six months.

Where can I purchase a Korowai?

Speaking to your whānau to ask for your recommendations is always a good start. However you may also like to try these: Korowai By Hiria, Kiri Nathan, Contemporary Korowai Designs.