Alpha 127 - Harakeke: Flax

Written by Judith Jones

Flax, or harakeke, has played an important part in the lives of New Zealanders, right from supporting the survival of the very first people who came here. It is a familiar sight in our natural, farmed and garden landscape and a long-time part of our cultural heritage.

Today, people are exploring ways to mix and match generations of knowledge about harakeke and its uses with new scientific ideas and innovation to make the most of this renewable resource.

This Alpha looks at how people have found many ways to harness the strength and flexibility of this valuable natural resource, and the development of the New Zealand flax fibre industry.

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