Matariki korowai on show in Kāpiti

A stunning matariki korowai, or cloak, made out of recycled materials by a local artist and students from around the district, was unveiled at Paraparaumu Library.

Through the Creative Communities Scheme, and in partnership with Kāpiti Coast District Council, artist JoAnna Mere ran a series of workshops with local primary school students during matariki to create the korowai.

Its titled kahuparatiki or 'Plastic Ocean 2050' and is made out of recycled plastic milk bottles and metals, fishing twine, and broken jewellery and beads.

"It was handmade by 100 amazing kaitiaki kids from Te Rito, Kena Kena, Kapanui and Paekākāriki primary schools,” Ms Mere says.

“I loved working with all the children; it was a working party,” she says.

“They were totally engaged, excited and really inspiring. The cloak represents kaitiakitanga, earth guardianship, and is a visual commentary on sustainable living.

"Many thanks to my Kuia, Queenie Rikihana-Hyland for her support also."

The Council’s Kaumātua Koro Don Te Maipi blessed the cloak at the unveiling and was supported by Kāpiti primary pupils singing waiata.

Library Youth Services Coordinator Pam Coleman says the cloak is a wonderful piece to have on show and will be moving throughout the district over the next month.

“It was great to see the development of the korowai over several months with so much involvement from the students, culminating in a beautiful piece of work,” she says.

“We are very proud to share it with the public in all our libraries.”

The cloak will be on display at Paraparaumu Library until Thursday 27 October. It will then move to: 

• Whitireia Kāpiti Campus for the first Kāpiti Arts Trail weekend on October 29/30
• Paekākāriki School from 31 October-4 November
• Whitireia again for the second Arts Trail weekend on November 5/6
• Waikanae Library from 7-21 November
• Ōtaki Library from December indefinitely.