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25 November, 2020
School korowai honours first recipient
Westlake Boys High School student Eliakim Tiakia was presented with the school’s first traditional Māori korowai after being awarded the school’s special Ta Taonga Peri Award.
Westlake board of trustees member Euphymya Lavelle spent this year carefully sewing the korowai for the school’s top student of Māori descent. She wanted to honour the recipient with something traditional and meaningful.
Eliakim, said: “I felt really privileged to get presented with the korowai. I have never received a proper Maori taonga before.” The Year 13 student who hopes to study engineering after going on a two-year church mission, is from the iwi Ngati Wai.
Lavelle said she thought Westlake Boys High School needed its own korowai. From now on, the top Māori students will have their names and iwi embroidered onto the cloak each year.
Lavelle finished it off with help from her mother, who taught her how to make the unique tassels traditionally sewn on the garment.
Before the prize-giving ceremony, the korowai was blessed by the Head of Maori, Matua Johnny Waititi, and Pou Ārahi Clare Nasey.
It is made to include the school colours and specific patterns to represent the school. The lining and edging was made from a school blazer.
“I’m really happy and proud at how it turned out,” Lavelle said.
Māori families sometimes make their own korowai to give to their children for special occasions, such as prize-giving ceremonies and graduations.
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