The Harakeke Project at Industrial Research
In 2007 Stephen Tauwhare, a research scientist at Industrial Research Limited (now incorporated into Callaghan Innovation), participated in a video conference with four secondary schools to talk about the Harakeke Project at Industrial Research Limited and how scientific knowledge can be combined with traditional Māori knowledge.
Harakeke at Dunedin Botanical Gardens
A close up of a harakeke plant at the Dunedin Botanic Gardens. The collection was gifted to the Garden over 100 years ago and is a taonga for the Kāi Tahu iwi.
Watch clips of Stephen talking about:
How harakeke is used, and may be used in the future
The way scientists can work with Māori communities to develop new knowledge together
Participating schools:
Dunstan High School, Alexandra
Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Tamaki Nui ā-Rua, Dannevirke
Te Kura Kaupapa o Hoani Waititi Marae, Auckland
Te Kura Kaupapa Ruamata, Rotorua
This video conference was organised in conjunction with Futureintech facilitators, who worked with schools and students to engage industry support.
Video clips
Aims of the Harakeke Project
Scientist Stephen Tauwhare explains as part of the video conference the aims of the Harakeke Project he was involved with at Industrial Research Limited.
Types of harakeke, or flax
In this video conference, scientist Stephen Tauwhare identifies the different types of harakeke.
The history of Māori and harakeke
In this video conference, scientist Stephen Tauwhare briefly explains the historical relationship between Māori and harakeke.
Medicinal benefits of harakeke
Industrial Research Limited scientist, Stephen Tauwhare explains the medicinal properties associated with different parts of the harakeke plant.
Harakeke gel
In this video conference, scientist Stephen Tauwhare from Industrial Research Limited explains that gel from harakeke was traditionally used by Māori to heal wounds. More recently, the gel from harakeke leaves has been used by the cosmetics industry.
Products from harakeke
In this video conference, Stephen Tauwhare discusses some of the industries interested in harakeke as a raw material.
Scientific research and the role of traditional Māori knowledge
The Harakeke Project involved identifying traditional knowledge of harakeke and extending this knowledge using science.
Scientific research and working with Māori
Stephen Tauwhare describes how the project enabled Industrial Research Limited to form a strong relationship with Māori.
Careers: Combining science with traditional Māori knowledge
Why did Stephen choose to work in science?
Related content
Harakeke under the microscope looks at a cross-cultural approach taken to learn more about the harakeke collection at the Dunedin Botanic Garden.
The article Preserving harakeke taonga covers Rangi Te Kanawa’s conservation work at Te Papa and includes a video in which she talks about the work being done to preserve precious dyed harakeke garments.
Activity idea
In the activity, Learning to see harakeke, students discuss the importance of observation in science. They are given the opportunity to observe harakeke and record their observations.
Useful link
Find out more about harakeke on the Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research website.
