Wave 18 Evaluation: A Vision of Provision. Fundholder: Made by K.

Interviewer: Negeen Sanaei - Ihi Research

Kimberley Maaka, of Māori and Pākehā descent, grew up in both the Bay of Islands and

Hawke’s Bay and is a devoted mother to three beautiful daughters. After completing her degree in

Fashion Design in 2016, she received a scholarship to pursue her Master’s degree.

During her studies, she became deeply invested in examining the true cost of fast fashion

and its environmental impact. Driven by the question of how the industry could reduce

waste and minimise environmental harm, she began exploring the use of natural

resources such as Harakeke.

Her Master’s research focused on processing harakeke muka fibre through commercial

knitting technology.

We share this vision of a Cosmic Silk Road with deep aroha and reverence for both Māori and Chinese ancestral lineages. This is not a comparison or competition of cultures, but a call for respectful collaboration — where sacred fibres like harakeke and silk can meet in mutual honour. We acknowledge the sovereignty, depth, and significance of each tradition. This project seeks to create space for dialogue, dignity, and the co-creation of regenerative futures rooted in ancient wisdom.

The Smartest Move Is the Oldest One

If you want to restore harakeke, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel — you return to those who have always known. Iwi are the original experts. Kaitiaki understand not only how to harvest, but how to care for the plant, protect its whakapapa, and heal the land it grows from. This isn’t just about tradition — it’s about intelligence. You don’t outsource what’s already mastered. You honour it, invest in it, and let it lead. That’s how we grow a future with roots.

If you’re ready to see how iwi fit into the future of harakeke — not as participants, but as leaders — the real story’s here on my website.

🛑 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. 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.

🛑 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. Day 1…

🌿 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.

Harakeke isn’t just a plant — it’s the key to a regenerative future for Aotearoa.

This movement is about restoring an Indigenous industry, weaving together economy, culture, and whenua to grow a legacy rooted in ancestral wisdom and ready for tomorrow.

The Diamond That Grounds Us

💎
Every legacy has a shape. Ours is cut like a diamond — strong, clear, enduring.

The Diamond Value Framework is more than a model. It is our blueprint for regeneration — a living, breathing system that restores land, uplifts people, and reclaims purpose and pride through the Harakeke economy.

Each facet reflects a vital truth:
—from our Master Weavers and Digital Engineers,
—to the innovators, processors, storytellers, and cultural leaders shaping tomorrow,
—guided by our ancestors who walk beside us.

This isn’t just a framework.
It’s a strategic vision.
A cultural code.
An invitation to build an economy rooted in tikanga, driven by excellence, and aligned with the future of Aotearoa.

For those who see the glint of potential in our fibres, our people, and our whenua —
Read it. Feel it. Partner with it.

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

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

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.

Understanding Nature's Cost:

We are committed to transparency and accountability. We acknowledge that every product we create impacts the environment. Here’s a closer look at the environmental footprint of our Harakeke Hair Extensions:

• Sustainable Sourcing: Our Harakeke fibers are sourced from responsibly managed 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

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

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

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.