The Importance of a Name.

Harakeke, scientifically known as Phormium tenax, is the New Zealand flax plant at the heart of Māori traditional weaving (toi raranga).

Did you know? 🤓

Harakeke is not flax! Despite being commonly referred to as flax, Harakeke is often mistaken for Northern European common flax, though they come from entirely different plant families 🌱. A quick Google search will reveal that Harakeke is a monocotyledon species, while flax is a dicotyledon species. Harakeke, or Phormium tenax, belongs to the lily plant family.

This distinction is important because it challenges the misconception in fashion and textiles that Harakeke and linen are the same. While they are different plants, both share similar mechanical characteristics and tensile properties, which have influenced their use in textiles.

Bridging these perspectives opens up opportunities for creativity and innovation in the fields of textile and digital design.

Harakeke has the potential to support our modern environments, just as it sustained life for my ancestors when they first arrived in Aotearoa/New Zealand by canoe and ship centuries ago.

As technological advancements continue to emerge, there is growing potential for more ecological and bio-friendly solutions. Digital technologies, in particular, are paving the way for sustainable production practices for the future.