Growing the Future
of the
Harakeke Industry
in Aotearoa
Learn more about the documented history of the New Zealand flax industry through Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand, and explore the industrial evolution of flax through New Zealand Geographic.
Discover the knowledge that has shaped harakeke through generations and how it informs today’s regenerative industry.
Grounded in generations of mātauranga Māori and supported by documented research, Te Kāuru bridges ancestral knowledge and future innovation — restoring harakeke as a living resource for communities, creativity, and enterprise.
Empowering Rangatahi Through Harakeke
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Empowering Rangatahi Through Harakeke -
Te Kāuru Harakeke Enterprise Lab gives rangatahi the tools to explore fibre innovation, creative design, and youth enterprise while connecting to mātauranga Māori and sustainable industry.
At the heart of this work are rangatahi — like harakeke herself, full of strength, resilience, and untapped potential. Through hands-on learning and enterprise development, they develop practical skills, confidence, and leadership, exploring new pathways for creativity, enterprise, and sustainable innovation.
Rangatahi are the heartbeat of this kaupapa, nurturing their ideas, culture, and leadership as they shape the future of innovation in Aotearoa.
Restoring the Potential of Harakeke
A Fibre with Purpose
Harakeke (Phormium tenax) has supported communities in Aotearoa for generations — from weaving and fibre production to cultural knowledge and everyday tools.
Today, it presents a regenerative opportunity — connecting culture, land stewardship, innovation, and economic potential.
Explore how harakeke can contribute to thriving communities, environmental resilience, and future industries.
Turning Knowledge into Opportunity
Harakeke holds infinite potential as a sustainable plant-based fibre. Through the Design Your Future initiative, rangatahi explore how creative ideas grow into real opportunities — from product design to enterprise development within the emerging harakeke industry.
Connecting People, Knowledge & Land
Te Kāuru is part of a wider vision to restore the value of harakeke as one of Aotearoa’s most important natural resources.
By reconnecting people to harakeke — its fibre, its cultural knowledge, and its ecological benefits — we support rangatahi, communities, and innovators to create a regenerative future.