THE HARAKEKE ALLIANCE
Biotenax is an innovation hub developing best practice cultivation, harvesting and primary production technology for a rapidly growing Harakeke Alliance of whenua Maori, farmers, scientists, government, local councils and entrepreneurs, that promises increased economic and cultural prosperity in Aotearoa New Zealand – and for the world, an exciting solution to one of humanity’s most challenging environmental problems.
In partnership with Ngati Ruapani ki Uta ki Tai Co-operative Society, our Te Hononga Hapori Harakeke | Harakeke Community Alliance[HHH] work to unify our rural sectors through Māori enterprise with a modern and progressive approach for the establishment of a Harakeke industry.
What are the Goals? In conjunction with The Harakeke Community Alliance partners, Biotenax is targeting:
- Resource development, sustainability metrics, environmental planning and harvest efficiencies, and training.
- Testing and comparative analysis, quality systems development, and certification and standards compliance.
- Processing technology for Harakeke fibre and all by-products, finished product development and production techniques, and development of capability and capacity.
- Market development, Harakeke Pathways support, brand development, communication and the development of a strong and viable long-term strategy to enhance the Maori economy and New Zealand’s agricultural sectors.
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HHH RESEARCH PROJECTS
Phase one of ten research projects intended to re-establish the New Zealand Harakeke Industry (referred to in the past as the New Zealand Flax Industry) has been completed by Biotenax Ltd through collaboration with Ngati Ruapani Co-op and HHH members, with co-funding support from Manatu Ahua Matua | Ministry for Primary Industries (‘MPI’) through the Māori Agribusiness – Extension programme (‘MABx’) Māori Partnership & Investment.This project sought to present a Feasibility Analysis and Business Case for the industry to a Scutched Fibre output at farmgate. The final report can be downloaded by clicking on the Growing with Harakeke cover.
Phase two is underway to implement next steps defined in Phase I report.
An overview version can be downloaded from here
Collaboration Partners
With our Te Hononga Hapori Harakeke members, Whangara Farms, Matekuare Whanau Trust, Utakura 7 Incorporated, and Awarua Fibres Ltd, we also collaborate closely with:
NGĀTI RUAPANI CO-OP
Tawharautia a Ruapani, mai uta ki tai | Unite Descendants of Ruapani from Forest to Coast. A rohe (territory) extending from the mountains of lakes of Waikaremoana to Te Reinga to the coastal lands of Wairoa and Turanga-nui-a-Kiwa, Aotearoa New Zealand.
Ngati Ruapani Co-op forms one of the principal co-facilitators towards funding of research and development of alliance projects in the establishment of the Harakeke industry.
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KIWIFIBRE INNOVATIONS
KiwiFibre is a key Biotenax partner.
Beyond fibre processing technology, KiwiFibre produces high-performance regenerative-fibre composite materials that have unique properties such as vibration damping and durability.
Some recent media from KiwiFibre and a KiwiFibre Brochure
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FAR SKY CONSULTING
Far Sky Consulting supports the alliance research programme through applied governance and management of specific projects, market research and contribution to knowledge gathering.
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