In the heart of West Auckland, a pakihi Māori is turning threads into stories, garments into symbols, and tradition into timeless beauty. Meet Hiria Aorangi (Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Kuri), the force behind KOROWAI by Hiria, a pakihi Māori rooted in heritage, artistry, and empowerment.

"Our brand celebrates and shares Māori culture with the world," Hiria explains. Each piece in her collection stands as a symbol of protection, warmth, and connection — a cloak of both physical comfort and cultural pride. This unique blend of artistry and cultural significance has made her brand a standout, allowing whānau to carry their heritage with honour and grace.

The seeds of her business were sown early, nurtured by Hiria’s grandmother, a skilled seamstress. Watching her grandmother’s hands bring beautiful kākahu to life, Hiria learned the importance of quality, craftsmanship, and self-expression. "She taught me the beauty of timeless style," Hiria recalls, "and the importance of creating something with purpose."

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Hiria’s path to creating korowai was deeply personal — a calling to envelop her loved ones in the strength, beauty, and protection of her culture. Learning the intricate art of korowai-making, she says, was transformative. "It's weaving together our past, present, and future." For Hiria, each korowai is a connection to ancestry, a bridge to future generations, and a proud symbol of te ao Māori.

The influence of te ao Māori in fashion extends beyond aesthetics. Hiria believes that Māori bring a distinct perspective to the industry, one that celebrates storytelling, heritage, and connection to the whenua. "Our designs share untold stories and blend art, culture, and environment," she says. Through her work, Hiria is part of a movement that is redefining fashion, blending it with purpose and a sense of place. By creating for the community, rather than for trends, she and other Māori designers are reclaiming the narrative and sharing it with the world.

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As with any venture, building a business has its challenges. For Hiria, balancing cultural preservation with commercial viability has been a delicate dance. "It’s about honouring our heritage while making our brand accessible to a global audience," she says. This balance requires respect, adaptability, and commitment — values Hiria holds at the heart of her brand.

Her proudest moments make every challenge worthwhile. Seeing her designs empower whānau to celebrate their culture, watching people stand taller with pride, and knowing that she’s contributing to the preservation of Māori heritage for future generations is profoundly fulfilling.

Hiria dreams of expanding her online community and collaborating with other Māori artists and leaders, connecting whānau to their roots, celebrating Indigenous excellence, and showing the world the power of Māori design. "We're weaving a brighter future, and we invite everyone to join us," she says.

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To whānau with aspirations in the fashion industry, Hiria advices: "Listen to your gut, let passion and purpose guide you, and design for your community, not just trends." She urges budding designers to stay true to their values and create with heart, emphasising that authenticity is key. "Your unique voice will make a lasting impact."

As Hiria puts it, KOROWAI by Hiria is about more than just clothing; it’s about wearing your heritage with pride. Each handcrafted korowai tells a story, blending tradition with contemporary style. "We’re here to empower others to stand in their own mana and celebrate their cultural identity."

You can explore her inspiring collection and connect with the story of KOROWAI by Hiria on her website at korowaibyhiria.com or follow along on Instagram at @korowaibyhiria. Join her journey, wear your heritage, and help weave a brighter future, together.