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Weaving plants – biology, distribution, and propagation

Harakeke (New Zealand flax) is the most widely used native plant in both traditional and contemporary weaving, but several other species are also used for their distinctive qualities.

The following information on the biology, ecology, distribution, threats to and propagation of weaving plants is aimed particularly at those learning raranga (plaiting) and whatu (weaving). We hope that a deeper understanding of the plants’ biology and information on how to grow them will assist weavers and communities in their efforts to conserve these important resources.

Factsheets

Cath Brown weaves a korowai panel. Image - Sue Scheele

Harakeke and Wharariki

Few New Zealanders would fail to recognise harakeke, one of our most distinctive native plants. It is the principal weaving plant, and ma...

A lacebark hat worn by Ngahuia Wiheera. Image - Sue Scheele

Houhere – Lacebark

The lace-like inner bark of houhere is used for fine, decorative weaving – kete, headbands, trim on hats and cloaks. The bark was sometim...

Kāretu seed heads. Image - Peter N. Johnson

Kāretu

Kāretu is a large grass whose scented leaves, with the midrib removed, were traditionally used for plaiting into belts and headbands. Sit...

Kiekie leaves, plain and dyed, on modern tukutuku panel. Image -Sue Scheele

Kiekie

Kiekie is a many branched woody vine, with tufts of long leaves. It is arguably the most valued weaving plant after harakeke. Strips spli...

Kete made by Riria Smith from kuta ([Eleocharis sphacelata]). Image: Geoff Walls

Kuta and Kāpūngāwhā

Reeds and sedges used for weaving.

Details of mountain neinei ([D. traversii]) foliage. Image: Peter Sweetapple

Neinei and Inanga

The species called neinei and inanga (inaka in the south) are widespread. Their long, stiff, gleaming leaves are used by weavers for deco...

Pīngao tags on a cloak made by Mata Murray. Image: Sue Scheele

Pīngao

Pīngao, the golden sand sedge, was once common on sand dunes throughout New Zealand. Weavers love to use pīngao for patterning highlights...

Poi made from raupō leaves. Collection of Mrs K Wood. Image: Sue Scheele

Raupō

Traditionally, raupō stalks were used for thatching the walls and roofs of whare and storehouses, and the down was used to stuff bedding....

Kete made from tī leaves by Hazel Walls. Image: Sue Scheele

Tī kōuka

Tī kōuka is a familiar and distinctive feature of the New Zealand landscape. The fibrous leaves are not used so often by weavers today, b...

[Celmisia semicordata], Otira Valley. Image: Peter Sweetapple

Tikumu

Tikumu is not so commonly used by weavers today, but was once a special resource for some purposes, particularly in the South Island.

Painted kākaho held together by kiekie in tukutuku panel, Te Aitanga ā Tāne, created by Mae Taurua. In Allan Herbarium, Manaaki Whenua, Lincoln. Image: Sue Scheele

Toetoe

The major traditional use for toetoe was to line the inner walls, roofs, and partitions of houses and other buildings with the stems (cul...

Tōī growing in the Hauhangaroa Range. Image: Peter Sweetapple

Tōī

The broad, fibrous leaves of tōī were especially valued in the upland district of the Urewera for making rain capes, as harakeke does not...

Further reading

For stunning images of weaving from a variety of plants see:

  • Miriama Evans & Ranui Ngarimu 2005. The art of Māori weaving. Wellington, Huia Publishers.
  • Mick Pendergrast 1987. Te aho tapu. The sacred thread. Auckland, Reed Methuen.
  • Tōī Te Rito Maihi & Maureen Lander 2005. He kete he kōrero. Every kete has a story. Auckland, Reed.

Key contacts

Sue Scheele

Sue Scheele

Research Associate
Systematics
Contact
Katarina Tawiri

Katarina Tawiri

Senior Technician - Botany
Systematics
Contact

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