Thames (NZ): Korowai Display Thames Hospital

At 10am today, Tuesday 30 October 2018, a spectacular new display was added to the taonga that line the ground floor corridor at Thames Hospital Te Whare Hauora o te Kauaeranga. 

Weavers and supporters gathered, while the blessing was performed by Ngāti Maru Kaumatua Wati Ngamane. The five framed, miniature Korowai were then unveiled. (photo right) 

The next person to speak was Korowai Weaver and teacher Maata McManus QSM. Maata had been asked by Jacquie Mitchell (Thames Hospital Service Manager) to see if it was possible to provide a Korowai for the Thames Hospital 150. The result was that this incredible teacher of Korowai, gathered cloaks from women from Thames and wider district. One of them by Susan King (Kaitiaki at Thames Hospital) (Other names to follow)

Maata McManus standing left of the Korowai, and Wati Ngamane at the right end.

During proceedings Mrs McManus revealed that it was a very special time for her, as just the day before she was in Wellington and had received the great honour of being awarded a Commonwealth Point of Light Award for her inspirational work teaching the traditional art of Korowai.
"Maata McManus, representing New Zealand, is a pioneering health worker who is using the ancient Maori art of weaving traditional feathered cloaks to reach local women in need of care and support." UK Prime Ministers Office.
The women recalled that they had made many cloaks since the being taught the art of cloak making by Maata. The feathers came from several species of birds including pheasant.

Two of the Korowai in the new collection.
The photographs above of the Korowai weavers and their supporters.