Korowai are Māori cloaks that hold mana. We are all born with mana but some people earn more from their peers by how they conduct their lives. Mana means prestige, authority, control, power, influence, status, and charisma. Korowai are worn by significant people who are given mana within their kapa/group. 

As a school, we have had three korowai made; two for tamariki/children, and one pāke/adult Korowai.

A big thank you to Bobbie Hira who has made these for us and incorporated our cultural narrative into the Korowai by adding the Pātiki from Te Waihora and the feathers that represent the colours of the hills above Tai Tapu. 

Before we use the Korowai we need to bless them. At our prizegiving assemblies, you will have the opportunity to participate in the blessing. We ask that as you enter the hall you come forward and flick droplets of water over them. Then before we start the official proceedings we will all stand and say a karakia/blessing over them.

Ngā mihi nui

Tai Tapu Kaiako and Tamariki.