Feb 05 - Korowai for Chief of Navy
In February 2005 a specially made korowai was presented to Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral David Ledson by the Naval Runanga. Designed to symbolise the command of the Navy, the distinctive korowai was presented to the Navy as the symbol for the Chief of Navy alone, to wear on occasions as he deems appropriate. At the changing of command the korowai, worn by the outgoing Chief, is taken off and placed on the shoulders of the new CN.
Image right: Kaumatua Bert McLean and Rear Admiral David Ledson
The korowai pattern has the following meaning:
The white line of feathers in the middle symbolises the Navy; the steps that lead to the top are known in Maori as the poutama, interpreted as the 'steps to success' - it is the ultimate achievement to become CN. The colours symbolise the different ethnic groups within the Navy. The green at the base represents the ocean of Tangaroa, the guardian of the oceans.
The korowai was made by Mrs Ludene Halford, who is a former Naval wife; she is a supporter of the Marae and a member of the Naval Maori cultural group.
Mrs Ludene Halford fastening the korowai