Meet the Team

Hiria Aorangi - Founding Owner
The heart and soul behind Korowai by Hiria, Hiria brings our vision to life with her passion for korowai-making and commitment to excellence. When she's not weaving, you can find her in the kitchen whipping up a storm or tending to her beloved plants.

Alfred Faofua
Alfred is Hiria's husband and our Operations Manager. With over 10 years of experience as a Foreman at Fulton Hogan, Alfred brings his management expertise to the table. He's the backbone of our family and keeps our suppliers happy. When he's not working, Alfred can be found cheering on his favorite rugby league teams, the Sydney City Roosters and NSW.

Ava Jaye Faofua
Ava Jaye is our talented designer and korowai-maker extraordinaire! With a background in fashion design from Whitecliffe, Ava brings a keen eye for detail and creativity to our korowai designs. When they're not in the workroom, Ava can be found dancing with their Kpop group, NZKDA.

Terina Whaitiri
Terina is our customer support liaison and the friendly face of Korowai by Hiria. With a warm smile and a listening ear, Terina ensures our customers have a smooth and pleasant experience. She's also Ava's partner in crime and co-founder of NZKDA.

Sonny & Gloria Niha

Our family business is built on strong connections and shared values. Hiria's parents, Sonny and Gloria Niha, are integral to our kaupapa.

Sonny Niha (Ngati Hine - Te Orewai) is a respected kaumatua with expertise in cultural and tikanga matters. For the past decade, he's worked with universities and healthcare systems in Tāmaki Makaurau, sharing his knowledge and wisdom.

Gloria Niha (Ngati Hine - Matawaia, Ngati Kuri - Te Hapua) is a successful entrepreneur with her own small business specialising in Māori Poi. Together, our whānau shares stories, kai, and ideas on how to create meaningful products and services that uphold mana and tikanga.

We value our whānau connections and the guidance they provide, helping us stay true to our values and mission. We're proud to work together as a whānau, bringing our unique skills and passions to create beautiful korowai that tell a story.