Red coque and white hen are colours taken from the Pōhutukawa.

I create these korowai as contemporary pieces and can customise the pattern design, colour placement and woven band to suit your preference.

Pōhutukawa and its cousin rata also hold a prominent place in Maori tradition. Legends tell of Tawhaki, a young Maori warrior, who attempted to find heaven to seek help in avenging the death of his father.

He fell to earth and the crimson flowers are said to represent his blood. A gnarled, twisted pōhutukawa on the windswept cliff top at Cape Reinga, the northern tip of New Zealand, has become of great significance to many New Zealanders. For Maori this small, venerated pōhutukawa is known as ‘the place of leaping’.

It is from here that the spirits of the dead begin their journey to their traditional homeland of Hawaiki. From this point the spirits leap off the headland and climb down the roots of the 800-year-old tree, descending into the underworld on their return journey.

Traditionally, korowai are worn on occasions of significance — moments of celebration, transition, leadership, and remembrance. This piece carries that same spirit, making it suitable for ceremonial wear, special presentations or acknowledgements or display as an heirloom or statement piece

Whether worn or displayed, this korowai stands as a taonga — embodying respect, strength, and the enduring beauty of Māori tradition