A project from former Hoani Tapu student Koriniti Mckillop.
Just sitting and being before the altar.
A feeling I really miss these days, just being before the Lord clothed in my
korowai, sitting in the posture I was taught in Kapa Haka (women sit with
legs sideways).”
Bishop Te Kitohi Pikaahu approved a request by Koriniti to wear her
Korowai, rather than the alb, at her commissioning to become a Kaikarakia
for Te Haahi Mihinare. Koriniti tells her story of the significance of the
Korowai.
“This Korowai was blessed by my father Rev. Canon Arthur Hokianga when
I was licensed as Kaikarakia in Te Amorangi ki te Tai Tokerau. Ko Hūmārie
te ingoa o tenei kākahu. A beautiful reminder to serve with humility and
love whenever and wherever I lead karakia.
I believe that wearing a Korowai is the most honourable way for me to
present myself before the Church and God as Mihingare and Tangata
Whenua.
Bishop Whakahuihui Vercoe said in his Waitangi speech in 1990, ‘We
(Maori) have been marginalised since 1840, and we continue to be
marginalised…’
I would like to honour my Tupuna and those before them by
acknowledging our own kakahu whakahirahira/Kakahu Maori as a small
gesture of my heritage.”
