To answer the question of "who wears korowai cloaks?", it is important to clarify what a korowai is.  A korowai is a Maori cloak, finely woven from flax (harakeke), and decorated with tassels known as hukahuka.  Hukahuka were usually made from muka, the fibre extracted from the flax leaves. The muka was often dyed, using natural dyes like mud, then twisted into cords, which were then arranged in a pattern on the korowai.

Korowai were worn by high-ranking leaders, like chiefs and other leaders (rangatira).  They were also gifted to other respected individuals for their service or spiritual strength. 

In modern times, the name "korowai" has become incorrectly attributed to Maori feather cloaks, when they should be called kahu huruhuru.  However, the korowai name does persist, and feather cloaks are greatly sought after, as they are so beautiful and can be made relatively inexpensively, due to modern techniques and sewing machines.

Feather cloaks are frequently gifted or allowed to be worn by visiting dignitaries and celebrities, as a sign of respect.  For instance, Elton John has worn one when performing in New Zealand; our former Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, wore a kahu huruhuru at an event at Buckingham Palace. 

Maori can and do wear korowai for special occasions, and Non-Maori can wear a korowai or kahu huruhuru when it is gifted to them.  They are often worn for special occasions such as graduations, weddings, and funerals.  They may be given as gifts of diplomacy and respect.  Ultimately, they are not just decorative - they are also symbols of the reason they were given, so they hold mana which should always be respected.

To answer the question of "who wears korowai cloaks?", it is important to clarify what a korowai is.  A korowai is a Maori cloak, finely woven from flax (harakeke), and decorated with tassels known as hukahuka.  Hukahuka were usually made from muka, the fibre extracted from the flax leaves. The muka was often dyed, using natural dyes like mud, then twisted into cords, which were then arranged in a pattern on the korowai.

Korowai were worn by high-ranking leaders, like chiefs and other leaders (rangatira).  They were also gifted to other respected individuals for their service or spiritual strength. 

In modern times, the name "korowai" has become incorrectly attributed to Maori feather cloaks, when they should be called kahu huruhuru.  However, the korowai name does persist, and feather cloaks are greatly sought after, as they are so beautiful and can be made relatively inexpensively, due to modern techniques and sewing machines.

Feather cloaks are frequently gifted or allowed to be worn by visiting dignitaries and celebrities, as a sign of respect.  For instance, Elton John has worn one when performing in New Zealand; our former Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, wore a kahu huruhuru at an event at Buckingham Palace. 

Maori can and do wear korowai for special occasions, and Non-Maori can wear a korowai or kahu huruhuru when it is gifted to them.  They are often worn for special occasions such as graduations, weddings, and funerals.  They may be given as gifts of diplomacy and respect.  Ultimately, they are not just decorative - they are also symbols of the reason they were given, so they hold mana which should always be respected.