Harakeke: the Rene Orchiston Collection

Harakeke (New Zealand flax) was an essential resource for early Maori. Over generations, weavers selected forms with the best qualities for specialised uses and cultivated them. Rene Orchiston of Gisborne spent over 30 years tracking down, documenting and maintaining in cultivation many of these traditional varieties. Her collection forms the basis of the National New Zealand Flax Collection maintained by Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research. This booklet is a catalogue of her fine collection. Fifty harakeke varieties are described and particular uses noted. It provides an invaluable reference to anyone interested in growing and using these special plants.