Ngā Rata Kōiwi Korowai - Te Korowai o te Rau Ora o Ruth Tan me Te Korowai o te Mātauranga Hā parapara o Teriana Maheno

On Saturday the 1st of March we had the honour of celebrating the fellowship of the first two Māori female orthopaedic surgeons, Ruth Tan and Teriana Maheno


It was a privilege to have been asked to celebrate with them. To mark this auspicious event, Ngā Rata Kōiwi had two contemporary korowai or Māori cloaks made, which were then presented for the first time at this event


Korowai are traditional cloaks that are worn on special occasions, marking a significant mile stone such as earning a degree or fellowship. A rangatira (chief/leader) would wear them for a significant event, but also in other events such as the tangihanga (funeral) process. Traditionally korowai were rare and were passed from generation to generation, only bought out for very special occasions. 
To be allowed to wear one was a sign of the deep respect by the kaitiaki (caretakers) of the korowai. 
There are strict tikanga (rules) regarding their use

The two korowai were gifted names by our NZOA  kaumātua, Ken Te Tau
  

 
The first is Te Korowai o te Rau Ora O Ruth Tan (The fronds / feathers of health of Ruth Tan). 
The name comes from the work that Ruth has done, especially that outside orthopaedics in the health sphere in helping to promote health and health care for the next generation

The second is called Te Korowai o te Mātauranga Hā parapara o Teriana Maheno 
(Teriana's cloak of knowledge and wisdom). 
This name acknowledges the great academic achievements of Teriana throughout her training and in the years to come 

 Moving forward, both cloaks will continue to bear these names

Ngā Rata Kōiwi, will be the kaitiaki (caretakers) of the two cloaks, for the use by Ngā Rata Kōiwi or the NZOA for significant events. The decision on which cloak to use would be event specific and the whakapapa (background) of their naming would determine which was the most appropriate to use

 

CLICK HERE for the LIONZ blog covering the event including thoughts from Teriana & Ruth 

Noho ora mai - John Mutu-Grigg