Open winner’s garment cloaked in mystery
New Zealand Golf has refused to answer any questions about their use of a Ma¯ori cloak at the New Zealand Open.
Australian Zach Murray adorned what NZ Golf described as a korowai after winning the 100th edition of the tournament in Queenstown on Sunday.
Several social media users, including well-known weavers, were quick to point out it was not in fact a korowai, saying it did not look anything like a korowai, did not meet the traditional design of a korowai and was of poor quality.
One person likened it to a ‘‘fluffy couch throw with a maimed rooster sewn round the edge’’.
Stuff approached NZ Golf for comment on Monday, and again on Wednesday and yesterday.
Among the questions asked were what they thought the cloak was, who designed it, who manufactured it and where it originated from.
NZ Golf spokesman George Harper Jr said on Monday it had been blessed by Ngai Tahu, but the remainder of the questions went unanswered.
Instead a statement was released by NZ Golf chief executive Dean Murphy yesterday: ‘‘New Zealand Golf is aware of concerns raised regarding aspects of the recent NZ Open presentation ceremony and takes this very seriously.
‘‘We don’t wish to cause any offence – but rather only to respect and honour our unique and special New Zealand culture.
‘‘As a result, New Zealand Golf and our tournament organisers undertake to review all aspects of the presentation ceremony pertaining to Ma¯ori culture ahead of next year’s tournament, which will include consultation with appropriate iwi leaders and kaumatua to ensure these and any other concerns are comprehensively addressed.’’
Weaving expert Ata Te Kanawa told RNZ the cloak was not of any level of quality.
‘‘I don’t think you even have to be a weaver to make that assertion. Just looking at it, you can see the satin backing, you can see that it’s faux fur.’’
Te Kanawa said it was important to present items of real quality and authenticity when describing them as korowai and hoped future tournaments, as well as other sports, would do their due diligence in the future before describing a cloak as such.