The Valley Floor Awaits Harakeke
A grounded look at the Harakeke kaupapa and what it means for our whenua.
The Harakeke Alliance Symposium, held in March, brought together more than 40 delegates from across Aotearoa to explore the re-establishment of harakeke as a viable land use and emerging industry. Harakeke was the largest business sector by far in in the mid 1800’s. This kaupapa is about re-establishing the sector. The timing is good as consumers globally look to return to natural fibre.
Convened by Ngāti Ruapani ki Uta ki Tai Co-operative and Biotenax, the symposium formed part of a broader programme of work focused on assessing the economic, environmental and cultural potential of harakeke. This includes feasibility analysis, business case development, and the design of practical models for planting, harvesting and processing.
For Whāngārā Farms, participation in this kaupapa reflects a long-term interest in land use systems that support both productivity and environmental outcomes.
Represented by Ray Leach (Project Facilitator), and Arihia Poi Gibson (Project Shadow Facilitator) Whāngārā Farms contributed alongside other whenua Māori entities including co-main sponsors Pohokura Trust, Matekuare Whānau Trust and Utakura 7 Incorporation. These partners are collectively exploring how harakeke could be integrated into existing land systems, particularly on underutilised, erosion-prone or environmentally sensitive whenua.
Ray’s contribution drew on He Rau Ake Ake, the farm’s 100-year land optimisation plan, and focused on the practical considerations of land use change, and the opportunities this could present. This included the need to align governance, operational systems and whānau priorities, as well as ensuring that any transition is both economically viable and environmentally sustainable over time.
Across the symposium, a consistent evidence base was presented. Global demand for natural fibres is increasing, driven by a shift away from synthetic materials. Market analysis referenced in the programme indicates continued growth in this sector, creating potential opportunities for alternative fibre sources such as harakeke.
The potential number of product applications from Harakeke are mind-blowing. When processed it can be stronger than carbon fibre and as fine as linen. So, you could eventually build an America’s Cup contender and have fashion clothing being modelled in Paris! Plus, it is a never-ending resource as you only ever harvest part of the plant.
At the same time, harakeke offers distinct advantages within the Aotearoa context. It is a resilient, low-input plant that can grow on land not suited to intensive agriculture. Proposed planting models, including riparian and restoration-focused approaches, suggest potential benefits such as improved waterway health, erosion control, biodiversity enhancement and flood resilience.
These environmental outcomes are a key part of the value proposition, alongside potential economic returns from fibre products, by-products and emerging processing technologies.
However, the symposium also highlighted the work still required to move from concept to implementation.
This includes the development of reliable supply chains, investment in processing capability, workforce development, and the establishment of clear market pathways. There are also important considerations around the role of tikanga and mātauranga Māori in shaping how the industry develops, particularly given the status of harakeke as a taonga.
For Whāngārā Farms initially it will be an on-hand resource for restoration, regeneration and riparian planting. Over time it could also become a revenue earner as we potentially look to become a major grower and supplier into the fledgling product production channels.
The range of contributors reflected the scale of this challenge. Researchers and scientists shared insights into bioeconomy systems and value chain development. Industry innovators presented advancements in fibre processing and product development. Practitioners and kairaranga grounded discussions in cultural knowledge and application. Government representatives contributed perspectives on funding, policy and sector support.
Taken together, these inputs reinforced that the development of a harakeke industry will require coordinated effort across multiple sectors. For Whāngārā Farms, the relevance of this kaupapa sits within a broader approach to land management. The farm continues to explore opportunities that support long-term resilience, including diversification, environmental restoration and sustainable production systems.
Harakeke presents one such opportunity. While still in its early stages, the work underway through the Harakeke Alliance provides a structured approach to understanding both the potential and the limitations of this pathway. Importantly, it enables learning to occur in partnership with others facing similar challenges and opportunities.
The symposium marked a step forward in that process. It brought together the evidence, the experience and the intent required to begin shaping what this could look like in practice.
There is still a significant amount of work ahead. But there is also a clear foundation being built, one that is grounded in research, informed by lived experience, and supported by a growing network of partners.
Whāngārā Farms will continue to engage in this work as it develops and we look forward to sharing more with our whanau as it evolves.
