The Valley Floor Awaits Harakeke
Our harakeke project continues to gather momentum across Whāngārā Farms.
As a member of the Harakeke Alliance, Whāngārā Farms is one of six Māori entities working together to re-establish the harakeke industry, once the largest industry in Aotearoa during the mid-1800s.
But this project is about much more than reviving an industry.
Harakeke is a remarkable plant with multiple uses beyond commercial products and, when grown and harvested correctly, provides a perpetual and sustainable resource. Supported by the Ministry for Primary Industries' Māori Agribusiness Unit, this initiative is known as the RRRT Project — Riparian, Restoration, Regeneration and Transition (product).
The Alliance has successfully completed Stage One, the Feasibility Phase, and is now moving into the exciting next stage: cropping trials.
One of the greatest advantages of growing harakeke is that it can be established on land that is currently non-productive or poorly suited to sheep and beef farming, particularly wetland areas. This allows us to restore wetlands while simultaneously growing a productive crop, creating an ongoing source of harakeke for riparian planting and wider restoration work as part of He Rau Ake Ake.
It truly is a win-win opportunity.
Now is the time to prepare for our first crop, and that begins with sourcing and harvesting local harakeke species by removing divisions (cuttings) from mature plants. Each mature plant can provide around 40 divisions before naturally replenishing itself, ready to continue its own growth and support future harvests.
This mahi is about much more than growing harakeke. These divisions help exclude stock from sensitive areas, support wetland restoration, and establish a sustainable source of locally grown harakeke for future riparian planting and restoration projects across the farm.
From a product perspective, the opportunities are equally exciting. Harakeke is no longer just about rope, resin and oils. Today, research is exploring applications including cotton and linen-quality fibre, health and wellbeing products, advanced building materials and much more. In fact, processed harakeke fibre has the potential to be stronger than carbon fibre.
Every planting is an investment in the future of our whenua, contributing to healthier waterways, stronger biodiversity and a more resilient farming landscape for generations to come. Yet every journey begins with a simple first step, and in this case, that step is harvesting divisions.
A huge mihi goes to Arihia Poi and the team at Whāia Titirangi for the care, knowledge and hard work they continue to bring to this kaupapa. Arihia is a Project Facilitator alongside Ray Leach, and together they are leading the harvesting of divisions for Whāngārā Farms. Whāia Titirangi's hands-on expertise is helping turn a long-term vision into practical action on the ground.
Looking ahead, our Business Manager, Ray Leach, will attend the upcoming National Harakeke Wānanga, where practitioners and kaitiaki from across Aotearoa will come together to help shape the foundations of an industry that has been largely forgotten for generations. By sharing knowledge, strengthening relationships and exploring new ideas, the wānanga will play an important role in rebuilding this sector and ensuring those learnings are brought back to Whāngārā Farms.
We look forward to sharing more from the wānanga in the weeks ahead.
