17 Mar 2019

Korowai controversy falls between the cracks

9:10 am on 17 March 2019

Organisers of an elite sports event with big-name backers stood accused of disrespecting Maori art and culture, sparking a strong social media response. It looked like a story with legs but only one programme picked up the ‘korowai controversy’ and ran with it. How come?

Tommy Kapai Wilson with a new take on the korowai controversy.

Tommy Kapai Wilson with a new take on the korowai controversy. Photo: PHOTO / RNZ Mediawatch

Brad Kennedy, the 2011 winner of the NZ Golf Open, wearing the original korowai lent to NZ Golf.

Brad Kennedy, the 2011 winner of the NZ Golf Open, wearing the original korowai lent to NZ Golf. Photo: PHOTOSPORT