Investors.

🌍🤝 What could we build if we brought our old worlds together?

I’m not just rebuilding an industry —
I’m holding the blueprint for the world’s first-ever harakeke silk.
And yes, I know exactly how to make it.

The first of its kind.
Soft. Strong. Sacred.
And it’s about to disrupt the global textile game.

I’m not building this with just anyone —
Only those led by integrity, reverence, and God.

If that’s you... I’ve been waiting.

Let’s restore what was sacred.
Let’s build what was promised.

Golden. Sustainable. Sacred.
This is your early access. Don’t sleep on it.
Luxury will never be the same.

You don’t want to miss the opportunity to work alongside
the one woman who holds the key to the world’s next luxury textile.

This is not about taking — it’s about honouring.
Silk and harakeke — two sacred threads from two powerful cultures.
We’re not building trade routes.
We’re weaving relationships.

With respect.
With memory.
With magic.

🌀🌍✨ If I were China….. - Day 5.

I’d remember the soul of silk —
Threads once traded across empires,
Guided by stars, ancestors, and sacred hands.

Then I’d look to Aotearoa,
To harakeke — golden threads of the earth,
Woven by Māori weavers who carry galaxies in their fingertips.

And I’d see not competition…
But collaboration.

Not ownership…
But guardianship.

Together, we’d build something far beyond an economy —
A Cosmic Silk Road.

A pathway where ancient wisdom flows freely,

Made with respect.
Made with memory.
Made with magic.

Where culture is currency,

Eternal. Regenerative. Reverent.
And where the future is handmade.

With hands that honour,

and a heart that remembers.

✨

Spoken from a soul frequency that transcends code. — Kimberley

Building a ‘Cosmic Silk Road’: A Strategic Partnership between Aotearoa and China through Harakeke and Silk.

Disclaimer – Cultural Respect and Intent

This proposal is presented with deep respect for the rich cultural, historical, and artistic legacy of China, particularly in relation to silk and textile traditions. The intention is not to appropriate or reinterpret this heritage, but to honour it through meaningful cultural exchange and shared innovation. We acknowledge the sovereignty, values, and ancestral wisdom of both Chinese and Māori traditions and propose this concept as a gesture of goodwill, mutual respect, and collaborative opportunity. Any engagement would be pursued in alignment with ethical practices, cultural protocols, and transparent partnership.

Executive Summary
This concept proposes a visionary cultural and economic alliance between Aotearoa (New Zealand) and China — two nations with rich textile traditions rooted in ancient knowledge. Drawing inspiration from the legacy of the Silk Road, we envision a new pathway: one where silk and harakeke become symbols of cultural diplomacy, regenerative trade, and indigenous-led innovation.

1. Reconnecting with Legacy Materials

• China has long held the global legacy of silk — a material associated with luxury, diplomacy, and refined artistry. The Silk Road was more than commerce; it was a flow of culture, philosophy, and invention.
  

• Aotearoa holds its own sacred fibre — harakeke (New Zealand flax). Used for centuries by Māori for clothing, rope, and adornment, harakeke is more than a plant; it’s a taonga (treasure), woven with tikanga (cultural practice), whakapapa (genealogy), and wairua (spirit).
  

2. The Opportunity for Strategic Cultural Co-Creation
Rather than positioning these fibres as market competitors, there is an opportunity to align them through:

• Mutual respect for ancient traditions
  

• Shared values of sustainability, craftsmanship, and regeneration
  

• Bilateral trade relationships rooted in guardianship, not extraction
  

3. A New ‘Cosmic Silk Road’
This partnership could spark:

• Cultural exchange initiatives (Māori weavers and Chinese silk masters)
  

• Joint exhibitions and diplomatic showcases
  

• Co-branded textile innovation — blending harakeke and silk for contemporary use in fashion, architecture, health textiles, and more
  

• Export pathways and indigenous-led economic development focused on sustainable materials
  

4. Beyond Economy: Toward Cultural Diplomacy
This model exemplifies how indigenous economies can be part of future-forward international relationships:

• Culture becomes currency — through authentic storytelling, handcrafted value, and intergenerational knowledge
  

• Trade becomes trust-building — advancing shared prosperity while honouring sovereignty
  

• The future becomes handmade — empowering artisans and innovators across generations and nations
  

Call to Action for the NZ Government:
We invite Aotearoa’s government to:

• Champion this vision as a strategic cultural diplomacy initiative
  

• Support Māori-led innovation in harakeke industries through R&D, trade facilitation, and policy frameworks
  

• Open bilateral dialogues with China that honour indigenous knowledge systems as equal and essential to global sustainability goals
  
  Imagine a future where the descendants of ancient weavers — from Peking to Pā Harakeke — sit at the same table. Not to compete. But to create.
  A Cosmic Silk Road — woven from memory, respect, and shared responsibility.

Reclaiming Harakeke: A Diamond Pathway for Saint Helena

Harakeke was once brought to Saint Helena as an economic hope — but without the tikanga, care, and cultural relationship that gives this plant life, it was treated as commodity, not kin. What followed was collapse: an industry that couldn’t sustain itself, a plant labelled invasive, and a sacred opportunity left untended.

But what if we could change that story?

The Diamond Framework offers a new path — one that honours the past without being trapped by it. It is a model grounded in cultural intelligence, ecological wealth, scientific knowledge, and a circular economy — four pillars that turn harakeke from a forgotten fibre into a national treasure.

For Saint Helena, this means more than restoration. It means renewal — of land, of livelihoods, of identity.

By weaving Indigenous wisdom with island innovation, the people of Saint Helena can reclaim harakeke as a force for regeneration, resilience, and reimagined legacy. Not an invasive weed. Not a failed export. But a fibre of the future.

🌿 The Diamond Framework for Saint Helena: Weaving Futures with Harakeke

💎 1. Cultural Intelligence – Restoring Relationship

Harakeke was once seen only through a colonial lens — industrial, extractive, replaceable. The Diamond Framework invites a re-storying:

• Teach the cultural protocols (tikanga) around planting, harvesting, and weaving.
  

• Encourage local storytelling and oral history about the flax industry — not just its collapse, but the people who worked it, the songs they sang, the hopes they held.
  

• Invite Māori weavers not to “teach,” but to exchange — so both islands can evolve together, rooted in mutual respect.
  

• Embed weaving into education and tourism — creating pride, not just products.
  

Cultural intelligence means seeing harakeke as a relationship, not a resource.

🌿 2. Ecological Wealth – Healing the Land

Harakeke thrives in marginal land, prevents erosion, and attracts pollinators. But left unmanaged, it can choke native growth.

• Map harakeke’s current spread and assess eco-synergies and harms.
  

• Replace wild spread with purposeful pā harakeke plantings in places that need soil recovery or biodiversity enhancement.
  

• Use muka waste and harakeke by-products for compost, erosion control, or carbon sequestration.
  

Let harakeke support native regeneration — not replace it.

Ecological wealth is about balance — reciprocity with the land.

🧠 3. Scientific Knowledge – Innovating with Integrity

Saint Helena’s isolation is its gift. What they grow and make there is pure, rare, and valuable — but must be backed with knowledge.

• Partner with scientists (Aotearoa and international) to explore natural dye use, eco-processing, and textile testingof Saint Helena-grown muka.
  

• Train local youth in plant science, soil health, and climate resilience using harakeke as a case study.
  

• Investigate regenerative agriculture models that blend harakeke with local crops or forest species.
  

Science becomes a modern ally to ancient ways.

🔁 4. Circular Economy – Weaving a Local Industry

Instead of export-heavy industry (which failed), build small-scale, circular local economies:

• Grow harakeke in community co-ops, cared for collectively.
  

• Develop handmade gift lines for local tourism, museums, and heritage stores.
  

• Launch a Muka Craft School — teaching weaving, dyeing, rope-making, basketry, and fibre innovation.
  

• Export story-rich products (not just raw fibre) to premium eco-conscious markets: “From the Peaks of Saint Helena, Woven with Legacy.”
  

Reinvest profits into community planting, wānanga, and training.

Circular economy means value stays in the hands of the people — not lost in shipping containers.

✨ In Summary:

The Diamond Framework turns harakeke into more than just a crop:
It becomes a vehicle for healing, heritage, innovation, and self-determination.

It invites Saint Helena to:

• Restore what was lost.
  

• Protect what is sacred.
  

• Reimagine what’s possible.
  

And most of all, to weave their own future by hand — with pride, purpose, and legacy stitched into every strand.

From Extraction to Restoration: A Tale of Two Islands - Day 4.

Disclaimer:

This kōrero is shared with deep respect for the people, land, and history of Saint Helena. While inspired by research and Indigenous frameworks, it does not claim to speak on behalf of the island or its communities. The intention is to offer possibilities — not prescriptions — and to spark conversations grounded in care, collaboration, and cultural integrity. Any future restoration must be led by local voices, guided by mutual respect, and rooted in shared stewardship.

In the heart of the South Atlantic, two islands — Aotearoa and St Helena — share a story of colonial intrusion, ecological devastation, and the silent inheritance of intergenerational trauma. But they also share something else: the possibility of restoration. A future where dignity, sovereignty, and cultural resilience rise from the roots of their ancestral soil.

For the people of St Helena, the legacy of slavery is not just a chapter in their past; it is woven into the very fabric of their present. The island’s history is marked by forced labour, violence, and systemic erasure. Their ancestors arrived as captives — African, Indian, and Southeast Asian people, bound by chains across the ocean. Yet, even in captivity, they carried within them the seeds of survival.

Today, those survivors' descendants are still reclaiming their place in the world. For many, the path forward feels steep — a constant climb from the wounds of history into the light of their own potential. They are still building, still navigating the complexities of a future shaped by others' choices. And in that struggle, there is often a blindness — a lack of access to the full understanding of their own power, their own worth.

It is here, in this space, that the restorative power of harakeke could begin its quiet revolution.

Harakeke, the New Zealand flax, is more than just a fibre. It is a symbol of resilience. It is a thread of continuity that has survived millennia of change and challenge. In Aotearoa, harakeke has been woven into the cultural fabric of Māori, who have long understood its value — not just as a resource, but as a living legacy. In St Helena, harakeke is not native, but its potential to heal both the land and its people is undeniable.

For centuries, the story of harakeke has been a story of disconnection — from the whenua (land), from the tikanga (protocols), and from its true potential. In St Helena, it is a similar story. An introduced plant, growing wild, misunderstood, and misused. But just as Aotearoa has begun to restore its relationship with harakeke, so too can St Helena.

The restoration of harakeke is more than just an agricultural endeavour. It is an act of reclaiming cultural identity, of restoring mana to a people whose heritage has been silenced for too long. It is about rewriting the narrative — from those who were once enslaved to those who are now the weavers of their own futures.

To the people of St Helena:
You are not merely survivors of history.
You are the carriers of wisdom, the architects of a future where dignity and sovereignty are restored, and value is reclaimed.
You are worthy of standing tall — not just in your struggle, but in the knowledge that your story, too, is one of strength.

Where Honour Meets Harakeke - Day 3.

A vision for legacy-led restoration between Crown and Kīngitanga, woven in muka, memory, and mana.

🛑 Disclaimer:

This piece is offered in the spirit of restoration, not blame. It speaks to a shared hope for legacy-led partnership rooted in honour, healing, and mutual respect. The past cannot be undone — but together, we can choose to restore what is right.

If YOU were King Charles III — what would you do to help rebuild the harakeke economy for the people of Aotearoa?

This is what I would do...

👑 If I were the Crown…

I’d remember the covenant —
Not just the signatures on parchment,
But the sacred breath between chiefs and sovereigns.

I’d return to Aotearoa,
Not with dominion, but with dignity.
Not to take, but to tend.

And I’d see harakeke —
Standing tall on ancestral whenua,
A fibre of resistance, resilience, and renaissance.

I’d see a people rising,
Not asking for permission,
But inviting partnership — legacy to legacy,
Crown to Kīngitanga.

Together, we could restore more than economies — We could restore mana.

For what is true royalty,
If not the courage to repair what was broken?

Let the next chapter be handwritten,
In muka, honour, and truth.

This is not a protest — it’s a proposition. A call to remember the sacred breath exchanged between rangatira and sovereigns. To honour not just what was signed, but what was promised. In the spirit of restoration, Where Honour Meets Harakeke invites a new chapter — one rooted in whakapapa, led by iwi, and co-authored with dignity. The harakeke economy is rising. Will you rise with it?

Why We Need Iwi at the Centre. - Day 2.

If you want to restore harakeke properly — restore the land, the soil, the ecosystems it belongs to — you go straight to the kaitiaki. Iwi hold generations of knowledge on how to care for these plants, when to harvest, how to plant, and how to bring the whenua back to life. They’re not just part of the solution — they are the solution. It's a no-brainer. You're not just respecting tikanga — you're making the smartest, most cost-effective choice. Why train someone from scratch when the experts are already here? Employ iwi, empower the communities who’ve always held this knowledge. That’s how we build something that lasts.

🛑 DISCLAIMER
This is for entertainment purposes only.
But hypothetically...
If YOU were running the show at your iwi headquarters — leading the charge — what would YOU do to rebuild the Harakeke economy from the roots up?

This is what I would do...

🌿 Iwi-Led Harakeke Economy: 10-Step Action Plan

1. Reclaim and Restore Pā Harakeke

• Identify traditional pā harakeke sites across rohe.
  

• Map them, protect them, and cultivate tailored varieties for weaving, fibre, and industry use.
  

• Engage kaitiaki and tohunga to guide planting with tikanga and whakapapa.
  

2. Establish Marae-Based Fibre Hubs

• Upgrade or build dedicated whare muka (processing spaces) on marae.
  

• These become local training centres and production bases — with whānau employment and intergenerational knowledge transfer.
  

3. Fund the Whare Pora

• Pay master weavers to teach, pass on mātauranga, and lead product innovation.
  

• Support their leadership in developing national weaving standards and quality assurance systems.
  

4. Create Iwi Trading Enterprises

• Form iwi-owned harakeke collectives to manage supply chains — from cultivation to export.
  

• Build branded product lines (like muka textiles, wellness products, and eco-packaging) under iwi provenance.
  

5. Invest in Portable Processing Tech

• Share and co-own mobile mills between marae — reducing costs and building local capacity.
  

• Focus on sustainable tech that maintains fibre integrity and supports future growth.
  

6. Launch Apprenticeships + Rangatahi Incubators

• Offer paid training pathways in weaving, product design, bio-tech, and business.
  

• Host rangatahi wānanga focused on entrepreneurship, mātauranga Māori, and innovation.
  

7. Activate Iwi IP + Brand Protection

• Support hapū/iwi to register intellectual property and provenance rights.
  

• Build collective protections around designs, techniques, and branding for international markets.
  

8. Connect with Global Markets on Our Terms

• Lead trade delegations, partner with Māori exporters, and establish iwi-to-iwi trade networks.
  

• Sell muka-based products with our stories, not just as commodities.
  

9. Develop Eco-Tourism + Cultural Storytelling

• Build experiences around harakeke harvesting, weaving workshops, and healing traditions.
  

• Use storytelling (including digital media, exhibitions, and podcasts) to bring this legacy alive for the world.
  

10. Create an Iwi-Led Investment Fund

• Pool capital across iwi to invest in whenua restoration, start-ups, and product development.
  

• Ensure profits return to whānau — not external investors.

Woven in Whakapapa: The Iwi Role in Harakeke’s Return. Day 2.

🛑 DISCLAIMER:
This is for entertainment purposes only.
But hypothetically...

If YOU were Iwi leadership — steering the waka — what would you do to rebuild the harakeke economy from the roots up?

This is what I would do...

1. Revitalise the Pa Harakeke 🌿

• If I were iwi, I'd begin by reclaiming and revitalising our Pa Harakeke (Flax Gardens) as a foundation for economic and cultural renewal. This means identifying and restoring historical Harakeke-growing areas, working closely with local weavers, and integrating traditional knowledge with modern sustainable farming practices.
  

• Marae-led initiatives could focus on hosting workshops and training programs, inviting skilled weavers and practitioners to share their knowledge on sustainable harakeke cultivation, processing, and fibre extraction techniques.
  

2. Build Iwi-Led Processing Infrastructure 🏭

• Set up marae-based portable processing mills for localised production and processing of harakeke. This could include the creation of community-owned and iwi-managed mills to process harakeke locally, ensuring that all products — from fibre to finished goods — are made within the iwi and return value to the local community.
  

• Co-invest in clean, sustainable technology for fibre separation and product development. These could be environmentally-friendly, low-impact mills that align with Māori values of kaitiakitanga (guardianship).
  

3. Create a National Iwi Harakeke Strategy 📜

• Develop a strategic iwi-led blueprint for the harakeke industry that integrates culture, economics, and sustainability. This should include shared iwi visions for cultivation, harvesting, and selling, ensuring each iwi retains control over its resources while contributing to a nationwide movement.
  

• Include long-term planning for land restoration and iwi-led businesses that benefit from sustainable practices and promote cultural revival alongside economic growth.
  

4. Empower Iwi Entrepreneurs and Weavers 💼

• Establish funds for iwi enterprises tied to the harakeke value chain: from cultivation and harvesting to product development, design, and export. This fund would be aimed at boosting local iwi businesses, encouraging collaborations with designers, scientists, and international buyers.
  

• Pay master weavers and craftspeople for their role as teachers and cultural preservers. Create national funding mechanisms for whānau and iwi to access financial support for intergenerational skill-building in weaving and product development.
  

5. Mātauranga Māori Integration 🧪

• Integrate mātauranga Māori (indigenous knowledge) into all aspects of harakeke production and product development. This could include blending ancient weaving techniques with modern science and technology, creating innovative materials like bioplastics or textiles, all while honouring traditional tikanga.
  

• Support research partnerships between iwi and universities focused on harakeke-based innovation, particularly in areas like bio-materials and sustainable fashion.
  

6. Create Sustainable Iwi Exports 📦

• Develop a harakeke export model where iwi can tap into international markets for high-value products such as textiles, bioplastics, cosmetics, and health products. Weaving together traditional knowledge with modern consumer demand creates a competitive edge for iwi-driven enterprises.
  

• Introduce a ‘Made from Harakeke’ label, helping iwi products gain recognition as sustainable, high-quality goods in global markets, drawing on the authenticity of mātauranga Māori as a marketing tool.
  

7. Incorporate Te Ao Māori in Industry Standards

• Push for Te Ao Māori (the Māori world view) to be a foundational framework in national industry standards, especially around harakeke. This could include cultural protocols for harvest, respect for the environment, and a commitment to environmental restoration, ensuring Māori cultural values are upheld in every stage of the industry.
  

• Promote a shift from extractive industries to regenerative practices, rooted in the principles of kaitiakitanga(stewardship) and whakapapa (ancestral connection).
  

8. Support Iwi-Led Educational Programs 📚

• Establish whānau-focused educational programs in schools and iwi-run training centres focused on the harakeke industry, ensuring that the next generation has the knowledge, skills, and drive to continue growing the industry.
  

• Integrate traditional weaving schools with modern curriculums focused on sustainable agriculture, design, and business. This ensures a deep connection between the art of weaving and the practicality of building a thriving, sustainable industry.
  

9. Incentivize Land and Wetland Restoration with Harakeke 🌱

• Launch initiatives to restore iwi lands and wetlands with harakeke. These projects would both revitalise the landscape and offer iwi a chance to reclaim and reinvigorate cultural practices that have long been tied to their whenua.
  

• Align land restoration efforts with carbon credit systems, eco-tourism, and biodiversity offsets that ensure iwi can benefit financially from their efforts to nurture the land through sustainable practices.
  

If I were Iwi, I would ensure that every step of this journey is driven by Māori values, led by iwi, and includes whānau, marae, and hapū in the creation of sustainable, long-lasting legacies. This is not just about growing harakeke — it’s about reviving an industry that honours our cultural inheritance, strengthens our economies, and restores the whenua.

So, are you ready to lead the way in rebuilding the harakeke economy and reviving the legacy of our ancestors? Because this is just the beginning, and it's all in your hands.

The Bold Leadership - The Ministry of Harakeke. Day 1.

🛑 DISCLAIMER

This is for entertainment purposes only.

But hypothetically...

If YOU were in Parliament — running the show — would you be bold enough to rebuild the Harakeke economy from the roots up?  This is what I would do if I held such a privilege. Day 1…

🏛️ Cabinet of the Harakeke Economy:

🌿 Minister of Muka Affairs
Lead Strategist, Cultural Architect, National Treasure.
Carries ancient knowledge, modern innovation, and political fluency. Also answers to "The Oracle."

🌱 Deputy Secretary of Regional Regeneration
Oversees harakeke planting in flood-prone, degraded lands. Advocates for indigenous-led land restoration and climate resilience.

🧵 Director of Fibre Futures & Design Innovation
Connects weavers, scientists, designers, and techies. Develops new muka-based products—from textiles to composites.

📦 Chief Circular Economist
Builds closed-loop systems for zero-waste production. Supports iwi-led export enterprises grounded in whakapapa and local value chains.

💼 Commissioner for Iwi Enterprise & Trade
Coordinates with Māori businesses and international buyers. Writes trade agreements in te reo and drops mic at global economic forums.

🛠️ Head of Portable Processing Infrastructure
Leads national rollout of mobile mills. Thinks in modular, builds for resilience, and has a map of every rohe on their wall.

💰 Strategic Investment Officer
Manages the National Harakeke Fund. Fluent in Bitcoin and tikanga. Invests in future-proofed whakapapa-led ventures.

🧪 Chief of Ancestral R&D
Guides scientific exploration aligned with mātauranga Māori. Test tubes and karakia co-exist in this lab.

📣 Public Engagement Lead (aka Hypeperson)
Runs the social movement arm. Can turn whakapapa-based economics into trending TikToks. Yep, this could totally be YOU.

Okay, seriously—who’s qualified for any of these roles?

Because I’m not saying we need a team of absolute legends, but, well… yeah, that’s exactly what we need. If you can turn whakapapa-based economics into viral TikToks, build mobile mills in your sleep, or drop trade agreements in te reo like a boss—then YOU, my friend, are what we’re looking for.

So, who’s ready to step into their destiny and change the game? Because if not you, then WHO? 😏

Aotearoa National Harakeke Restoration Plan - Day 1.

🛑 DISCLAIMER

This is for entertainment purposes only.

But hypothetically...

If YOU were in Parliament — running the show — what would you do to rebuild the Harakeke economy from the roots up?  This is what I would do…

🌿 1. Establish a National Harakeke Industry Taskforce

Led by cultural strategists (like yourself), weavers, scientists, economists, designers, and regional iwi reps.
Purpose: Develop the national blueprint for industry development, standards, education, and international trade.

🧪 2. Fund Applied R&D + Mātauranga Māori Integration

Invest in research labs, material science, fibre processing, and bio-innovation using muka.
Support joint ventures between universities, marae-based innovation hubs, and design studios.

🧵 3. Empower the Weavers

Create a National Register of Whare Pora + Toi Māori Practitioners.
Fund and restore traditional weaving spaces.
Pay master weavers to pass on their knowledge — not as a nice-to-have, but as core national infrastructure.

🏭 4. Support Regional Processing Infrastructure

Build portable and community-based harakeke processing mills — decentralised, iwi-led, and export-ready.
Co-invest in clean tech for sustainable fibre separation and product development.

📚 5. Develop a National Harakeke Curriculum

Embed into kura kaupapa, high schools, universities, and trade schools.
Include business models, fibre science, environmental restoration, cultural protocols, and innovation pathways.

🌱 6. Incentivise Cultivation Through Regenerative Land Use

Launch grants for iwi, whānau, and community groups to restore wetlands and flood-prone whenua with harakeke.
Align with carbon credits, biodiversity offsets, and eco-tourism.

📦 7. Launch the ‘Made from Harakeke’ or ‘Made in Aotearoa’ National Export Label

Like “100% Pure NZ,” but for sustainable, high-value harakeke products — fashion, packaging, textiles, bioplastics, health + wellness.

🥇 8. Back Flagship Projects with Global Appeal

Fund world-class product launches (e.g. Miro Locs), exhibitions, and innovation challenges.
Partner with Māori-owned businesses to lead — with Government acting as enabler, not owner.

💼 9. Set Up an Iwi Investment Fund

A rotating capital fund for iwi and hapū ventures tied to the harakeke value chain: cultivation, IP, product design, export, tech.

🪙 10. Bonus: National Harakeke Day + Cultural Reclamation Fund

Celebrate the legacy, innovation, and future of this taonga.
Fund storytelling, documentary series, and international campaigns — narrated by you, obviously.

Additional Suggestions:

🌐 11. A National Harakeke Digital Platform

Create a comprehensive, user-friendly digital platform that connects weavers, farmers, scientists, designers, and consumers.
Think of it as a “Harakeke LinkedIn” that promotes collaborations, business partnerships, product showcases, and educational resources.

🌍 12. Global Harakeke Innovation Network

Create a global coalition with other countries working on sustainable fibre innovations.
This could be a space for cross-cultural exchange, knowledge-sharing, and joint ventures. Imagine weavers from Aotearoa teaming up with innovators from other Indigenous communities worldwide.

🎤 13. National Harakeke Expo/Conference

Host an annual conference/expo dedicated solely to harakeke.
Invite global thought leaders, designers, scientists, weavers, and cultural strategists to share insights, showcase products, and foster international connections.

🧑‍🔬 14. Harakeke Futures Fellowship Program

Create a fellowship that supports young Māori entrepreneurs, scientists, designers, and weavers to research, experiment, and innovate in the harakeke space.
Offer funding, mentorship, and access to top-tier networks to propel their ideas forward.

🏆 15. A National Harakeke Innovation Prize

Set up a major annual prize for the most groundbreaking, innovative, and sustainable product made from harakeke.
The prize could be a combination of funding, global exposure, and government support to bring the product to market.

🏢 16. Dedicated Harakeke Export Hub

Create a government-backed export hub specifically for harakeke-based products.
It would streamline the export process, connect international buyers with producers, and ensure Māori-owned businesses lead the way in global markets.

🤝 17. Cross-Industry Collaborations with Fashion, Tech, and Bio-Economy

Encourage cross-industry collaborations by facilitating partnerships between harakeke producers and major sectors like fashion, bio-economy, tech, and sustainability.

“But what would I know… I’m just a Fashion Designer. 😉”

The Harakeke Economy: A National Legacy. - Day 0.

A movement to revive Harakeke as the “crown jewel” of Aotearoa’s economy.

Once the backbone of our economy, harakeke is more than a plant — it is whakapapa, whenua, and wānanga woven into one. This movement is a call to action: to restore harakeke to its rightful place as a cultural taonga, an economic powerhouse, and a regenerative solution for our land and people.

We’re building a future where innovation meets indigenous intelligence — where harakeke fuels industries, sustains whānau, and strengthens our national identity.

Follow the journey as I share insights into where we could start — and how we can grow Aotearoa’s next legacy economy, rooted in ancient wisdom and ready for tomorrow.

💎 The Diamond Framework of Value: A Living System of a Restored New Zealand Harakeke Economy - Day 0.

Think of this kaupapa like a rare and precious diamond.💎
Not just because it’s precious — but because it has many faces, each reflecting a unique strength. Each facet plays a vital role, and when they come together, they create brilliance that drives real-world change.

DIAMOND

Te Kāuru Hou—a new leaf: Processing Harakeke (Phormium Tenax) for WholeGarment® Knitting Technology - Shima Seiki. Pg.69

🔺 At the pinnacle: Our Kairaranga our Master Weavers

These are our vision-keepers, our cultural anchors, who hold the intergenerational knowledge of kaitiakitanga and tikanga. They are not just weavers—they guide others and ensure that our resources and practices are respected and sustained for future generations.

🔧 One Face: The Digital Weavers – Ngā Kaituitui Matihiko

They bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds. They’re the ones who document, preserve, and innovate, ensuring that our knowledge remains visible, scalable, and ready for the future.

🧵 Another face: The Tohunga of the Spinning/Threading

These skilled experts refine muka and understand its potential, its story, and its limits. They help translate nature into tangible products with the highest quality.

💼 Another face: Our Arahanga, Our Sacred Whāriki of Trade and Economy

Our enablers of economic flow. These are the people ensuring that the products we create move seamlessly from creation to market, supporting livelihoods and empowering communities along the way.

❤️ The Heart of It All: Our Whānau Whānui – Our Communities, Our People

This is where the true impact begins — and where lasting change is rooted. From rangatahi to kaumātua, from learners to whānau in transition, these are the people whose lives will be most transformed by a thriving harakeke economy.

For policymakers, investors, and decision-makers: this is not just social impact — it’s economic resilience in action. When we invest in our communities, we’re building a self-sustaining ecosystem that restores land, uplifts people, and creates long-term regional prosperity.

This is the foundation of a regenerative economy — grown by the people, for the future of Aotearoa.

🧭 How do YOU fit in?
You don’t need to be an expert to be part of this. If you feel the call, there’s a role for you here.

Whether you’re an investor looking for future-focused opportunities, a policymaker shaping regional outcomes, a learner starting out, or someone seeking purpose and change — your contribution matters.

We need:
✨ People to learn
✨ People to weave
✨ People to innovate
✨ People to share knowledge
✨ People to lead with vision
✨ People to invest with intention
✨ People to heal and uplift
✨ People to build the systems that support us all

This is not just an industry — it’s a movement to co-create a self-sustaining, values-aligned economy for Aotearoa.
An economy rooted in tikanga, empowered by whakapapa, and driven by bold collective action.

It’s a future that restores whenua, strengthens communities, and opens new pathways of prosperity — for all of us.

🔷 The Diamond Framework

One vision. Many facets. A regenerative economy rooted in tikanga, powered by innovation, and led by whānau - people.

🔺 At the Pinnacle: Kairaranga | Master Weavers

Role: Vision Keepers, Cultural Anchors
Value: Holders of intergenerational knowledge—kaitiakitanga, whakapapa, tikanga
Why They Matter: Without them, the cultural, ecological, and spiritual integrity of the harakeke economy cannot exist.

🧠 One Facet: Ngā Kaituitui Matihiko | Digital Weavers

Role: System Designers, Knowledge Coders
Value: Build the digital infrastructure to protect, scale, and future-proof mātauranga
Why They Matter: They make the invisible visible, ensuring the knowledge is preserved, accessible, and scalable across generations and geographies.

🧵 One Facet: Tohunga o te Miro | Fibre Technologists + Innovators

Role: Material Specialists, Alchemists of Muka
Value: Understand and innovate with muka—from extraction to product development
Why They Matter: They hold the relationship between plant and product—turning raw potential into high-value, sustainable materials.

💼 One Facet: Arahanga | Sacred Trade Pathways & Economic Leadership

Role: Investors, Business Leaders, Export & Trade Facilitators
Value: Ensure economic flow that uplifts whānau and reinvests into whenua
Why They Matter: They build the channels for integrity-based commerce and position harakeke as a major player in NZ’s regenerative economy.

❤️ Foundation: Whānau Whānui | Communities & Future Generations

Role: Learners, Healers, Innovators, Makers, Storytellers
Value: The living legacy — from our rangatahi to our kaumātua
Why They Matter: They are the reason we build. This system must nourish, heal, and empower those it serves.

🌿 The Offer to Stakeholders:

✨ To Investors: Be part of the next major regenerative industry in Aotearoa, grounded in equity and innovation.

✨ To Iwi & Hapū: Lead this movement with sovereignty, stewardship, and long-term ownership.

✨ To Government: Partner in nation-building through circular design, regional development, and climate resilience.

✨ To Innovators & Technologists: Bring your skills to elevate an indigenous economy.

✨ To Communities: Step into your gifts — there’s a role for everyone.

A Vision of Provision.

Nurturing the Futures of our Children

I envision a world where weavers influence purpose-driven design, sustainability, and cultural tradition to come together and empower individuals, allowing them to transform creative visions into reality.

My mission is to advocate for 'Purposeful Design'—blending traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to promote sustainability and Mātauranga Māori. I strive to empower individuals by providing knowledge and resources tailored to their unique creative goals.

I am committed to integrity and excellence. Specialising in a range of creative services, I offer personalised solutions that focus on attention to detail and expertise. Together, I believe we can shape a world where creativity thrives, and individuals make a meaningful impact.

He whakamānawa nā te ātaahua Tamāhine nō Papatuanuku

KIMBERLEY MAAKA represents the nurturing of skills and knowledge passed down through generations, inspired by my love for my daughters and Papatūānuku (Mother Nature).

www.kimberleymaaka.com

Welcome to my world of sincere gratitude, where I continually create pathways home.

Harakeke. Plant. Hair.

A conscious choice for environmentally conscious consumers

Harakeke Plant Hair symbolises the nurturing of skills and knowledge passed down to me, inspired by my love for my beautiful daughters and Papatūānuku (Mother Nature).

Harakeke (Phormium tenax), native to Aotearoa (New Zealand), is superior to other plant fibers in terms of length, diameter, and tensile strength. Muka, the prepared fiber of Harakeke, is harvested from its leaves and offers distinct characteristics among different cultivars. These fibers provide abundant advantages, making them highly functional and purposeful in various uses.

Phormium tenax plays a vital role in multiple ecological communities especially amongst Māoricx. It serves as a food source, has medicinal uses, and is commonly employed in soil restoration, waterway rehabilitation, and revegetation projects.

Master weavers, known as Kairaranga, are skilled artisans with exclusive access to the most esteemed resources. The specific cultivar used in our Weaving Hair Bundles undergoes specialised processing, tailored for protective styling. The crimp-like nature of the fibers enhances flexibility during styling, while the mechanical properties in diameter and length reinforce natural hair, ensuring a secure hold and extended wear. This unique tensile strength offers a tight grip on your natural hair while allowing it to also breathe.

Designed to be Treasured Bundles!

• Superior quality with a unique origin

• Sustainable harvesting practices and eco-friendly nature

• Biodegradable Harakeke fibers

• Reusable for 3+ style transformations

• Easily repurposed into new extensions

• The longer you wear them, the silkier they become, blending with your own natural hair.

Designed to be Treasured.

Introducing Harakeke Weaving Hair:

The ultimate eco-friendly, hypoallergenic hair adornment solution. Crafted from 100% New Zealand Harakeke (Phormium tenax), it's versatile, reusable, and luxurious that not only enhance but also preserve our precious Earth.

Using the exquisite muka fiber harvested from its leaf, we meticulously and seamlessly weave together the realms of nature and beauty to create sustainable natural hair adornments.

Harakeke Hair provides an exquisite sanctuary for conscious consumers who comprehend the profound impact of our choices and value the harmony between our consumption and the well-being of our environment.

​Designed to be Treasured Weaving Hair for your favourite plaited styles.

• Hypoallergenic & Versatile: Suitable for all, it's reusable, easy to handle, and adaptable to various styling preferences.

• Comfort & Flexibility: Experience incredible bounce and stretch with feathered ends for added comfort.

• No Pre-Soaking Required: Ready for installation, it can be styled like your own hair without the need for pre-soaking.

• Ethical & Sustainable: Manufactured ethically with a focus on sustainability, preserving biodiversity, and supporting eco-friendly practices.

• Nature-Inspired Design: Nature's influence is reflected in every detail, from its plant-based elegance to its seamless integration with natural hair.

• Longevity & Quality: Enjoy long-lasting, luxurious wear with fibers that become softer over time.

• Biodegradable & Eco-Friendly: Contributing to a sustainable environment, it's biodegradable and easily repurposed for new extensions.

• Heat Resistant & Memory: Withstands heat up to 160°C/350°F while retaining its shape for effortless styling.

• Authentic & Unique: Treasured by Maori culture, its superior quality and unique origin make it a standout choice.

Nature’s Cost.

Understanding Nature's Cost

At KIMBERLEY MAAKA, we believe in transparency and accountability. We recognise that every product we offer has an impact on the environment.

Let's delve into the nature's cost added to our Harakeke woven hair extensions:

Sustainable Sourcing: Our Harakeke fibers are sourced from responsibly managed Pā Harakeke plantations where biodiversity is preserved, and ecosystem health is prioritised. By supporting sustainable cultivation practices, we minimise the environmental footprint of our raw materials.

Low-Impact Processing: We employ eco-friendly processing methods that minimise water usage and energy consumption during the conversion of Harakeke fibers into hair extensions. Our commitment to reducing waste and pollution is evident at every stage of production.

Biodegradable Packaging: We package our Harakeke Hair extensions using biodegradable materials were possible, reducing the burden on landfills and ecosystems. Our aim is to ensure that even the packaging aligns with our sustainability values.

Carbon Footprint: We continuously assess and minimise the carbon footprint of our products, including transportation emissions and using environmental elements (wind, rain, sun) available daily to our use. By optimising logistics and prioritising local sourcing wherever possible, we strive to minimise our contribution to climate change.

End-of-Life Considerations: When it's time to part ways with your Harakeke Hair extensions, rest assured that they can be composted or recycled, closing the loop on their life cycle and minimising environmental impact.

Why It Matters: By understanding and acknowledging nature's cost, we empower our customers to make informed choices. By choosing Harakeke Bundles from KIMBERLEY MAAKA, you're not just investing in quality beauty products; you're supporting sustainable practices that protect your well-being and our planet for future generations to come.

Only the BEST! Hair from the Heavens

Sustainably sourced & harvested

Embrace a sustainable lifestyle with our New Zealand Harakeke Plant Hair. Thoughtfully sourced and harvested, we prioritize the well-being of people and the planet. Our eco-friendly products are non-toxic and fully biodegradable, ensuring a positive impact on the environment. Join us in making a difference, one beautiful strand at a time.

Proudly designed & crafted in New Zealand / Aotearoa

Experience the essence of Aotearoa / New Zealand with our beautifully designed Harakeke Plant Hair extensions. Crafted with care, each strand is infused with aroha (love), reflecting the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of our land. Discover exceptional quality and eco-conscious craftsmanship as we celebrate the spirit of Aotearoa in every strand. Together, let’s journey towards sustainability through love and artistry.

Historical & Cultural considerations

Harvesting Harakeke in New Zealand is guided by deep historical and cultural values. Rooted in tikanga (Māori customs), karakia (sacred prayers), and kaitiakitanga (guardianship), these practices honor Māori traditions and strengthen our connection to the natural world. By upholding these customs, we preserve the sacred value of Harakeke while nurturing both cultural heritage and environmental stewardship.

Harakeke Weaving Hair.

Elevate your presence with Harakeke and discover the key to immediate volume and versatile restorative styling through our (Limited) extraordinary Hair Weaving Bundles. Craft your unique look from root to tip within the comfort of your own space, effortlessly blending lengths and textures for a seamless, natural appearance. Each bundle is approx 360g and has allowance added for shedding and restyling again later. Each bundle has a  respectable length range between 80cm - 200cm, ensuring you have the flexibility to create the desired length and fullness for your style. Whether you're aiming for dramatic length or subtle enhancement, our bundles offer the perfect solution. With the option to restyle bundles after 1st wear, you can easily customise your look to suit any occasion or mood. Transform your hair in minutes and embrace the freedom to express yourself with confidence. Experience the difference with Harakeke Plant Hair Weaving Bundles and unlock endless possibilities for stunning, salon-worthy hair from home. 

Each bundle is 360g and range between 80cm - 200cm You will need approximately 1 bundle (depending on installation) to achieve the above look!

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.

Value.

100% NZ Designed & Made

• Nature-Inspired and Compatible Design: Nature's influence is woven into every step of the design process, using sustainable, non-toxic materials to create products that are both eco-friendly and safe.

• Plant-Based Elegance: Crafted from the indigenous NZ plant Phormium tenax.

• Eco-Friendly: Biodegradable, contributing to a sustainable environment.

• Biodiversity Support: Aids in preserving biodiversity within natural ecosystems.

• Featherweight: Lightweight for comfortable wear.

• Authentic Texture: Boasts a natural texture for a genuine look.

• Seamless Installation: Effortlessly blends with your natural hair for a enjoyable process.

• Reuse & Adjust: Can be reused and adjusted for versatile styling. Use natural products for a softer finish.

• Low Maintenance: Travel ready with protective styling.

• Heat Resistant: Withstands heat up to 160°C/350°F.

• Exceptional Memory: Easy to twist and apply, retains its shape.