Art, tikanga, sustainability, and aroha in the tangihanga industry

Mahora Massey (Ngāti Whakaue, Te Whānau-a-Apanui), founder of Korowai Caskets, is on a mission. With a keen eye for design and a passion for environmental sustainability, Mahora has carved out a unique space in the funeral industry with her beautifully crafted, eco-friendly caskets.

Her journey began with a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, specialising in sculpture, from the Waiariki Institute of Technology. Alongside her artistic pursuits, Mahora also delved into environmental sustainability, driven by her deep connection to nature, particularly trees, wood, and timber.

Mahora's transition into producing caskets was sparked by a pivotal moment while working for an Australian-owned casket company in Auckland. She was tasked with incorporating Māori designs without consideration for tikanga or design process – she let them know how bad this was and left. This led her to found Korowai Caskets, where her artistic background merges seamlessly with her cultural values and environmental ethos.

Tangi holds profound significance for whānau. Many of her caskets have gone out to whānau who have fathers that were hunter gathers and have commented “Dad would have loved this casket, because its raw and rugged just like him.” Mahora's caskets resonate deeply with families, offering a fitting farewell for their departed loved ones.

At Korowai Caskets, sustainability isn't just a buzzword - it's a way of life. Mahora only sources timber from sustainable suppliers, opting for plywood for its strength and eco-friendliness. By refraining from using paints or varnishes and minimising waste, Mahora ensures her creations leave little or no impact on Papatūānuku, Mother Earth.

While technology plays a crucial role in the casket-making process, Mahora's creations are crafted with aroha every step of the way. Designs are carved using a CNC router, balancing affordability with craftsmanship. The entire process, from building the casket to crafting the handles, is a labour of love, blending manual work with technological precision.

Korowai Caskets' certification for natural burials was a significant milestone, reflecting Mahora's commitment to sustainability. However, the funeral industry's profit-driven landscape poses its challenges. Mahora believes that at a time when so many people are experiencing funeral poverty, there needs to be processes in place to prevent vulnerable people from being taken advantage of.

For those considering entering the tangihanga industry, Mahora says that you need to be a certain type of person to handle the emotionally demanding environment. It can be tough, but the rewards are profound. There are many Australian-owned funeral services in New Zealand that are driven by profit – if we can keep more of this the pūtea in Aotearoa, we all benefit.

Mahora Massey's Korowai Caskets not only honours tikanga Māori but also serves as a perfect example of sustainability in the funeral industry.

Find out more at korowaicaskets.co.nz

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