Harakeke- He Taonga, He Whānau, He Rongoā
Harakeke (Phormium tenax) grows abundantly throughout Aotearoa, especially along coastlines and in lowland wetlands. But in te ao Māori, Harakeke is far more than a hardy native flax. It is a living ancestor, a teacher, a healer, and a taonga woven through our pūrākau (stories), our tikanga (protocols), and our daily lives.
Harakeke in our stories and whakapapa
Harakeke appears in some of our most treasured pūrākau. It was Harakeke that Māui used to slow the sun, and Harakeke that helped fish up Te Ika a Māui (North Island). Its importance is echoed in the well‑known whakataukī:
Hutia te rito o te harakeke, kei whea te korimako e kō?
Ka rere ki uta, ka rere ki tai.
Ki mai koe ki au, he aha te mea nui o te ao?
Māku e kī atu, he tangata, he tangata, he tangata.
If you pluck out the centre shoot of the flax, where will the bellbird sing?
It will fly inland, it will fly seawards.
If you ask me what is the most important thing in this world,
I will reply: It is people, it is people, it is people.
This whakataukī speaks to the heart of whānau. The rito (the young shoot) represents the child, protected by the awhi rito (the parents). The tūpuna stand on either side, offering strength, guidance, and continuity. This living metaphor reminds us that when we care for the rito, the whole whānau thrives.
Tikanga and the care of Harakeke
Because Harakeke carries such deep spiritual and cultural significance, harvesting it carries with it a responsibility. Tikanga guides how, when, and from where Harakeke is cut. These practices protect both the plant and the whakapapa it represents. Tikanga can vary between rohe, so if you don’t hold this mātauranga (knowledge), it is important to seek guidance from your local hapū or marae.
Harakeke as rongoā
Harakeke has long been a cornerstone of rongoā Māori. Different parts of the plant including the leaves, roots, and gum were used to support healing both internally and externally. Traditionally, Harakeke was used for:
- soothing burns and skin conditions
- easing rheumatism
- settling upset stomachs
- supporting wound care and bush surgeries
- splinting broken limbs
Its versatility made it an essential companion in daily life.
Harakeke in mahi toi and daily living
Beyond its medicinal uses, Harakeke was indispensable for its fibre. Māori traditionally used it to create clothing and sandals, kete, whāriki, and mats, fishing nets and ropes, fans, sails, and house panels, tukutuku panels and other forms of toi Māori
After the arrival of Pākehā, Harakeke became a major trade commodity, valued for its strength and durability.
Today, Harakeke remains central in raranga, toi Māori, and rongoā practices. Its presence continues to connect us to whakapapa, whenua, and our tūpuna.
Harakeke at Still Milly
At Still Milly, we honour Harakeke by using its nutrient‑rich seeds in some of our formulations, including our Harakeke Seed Face Oil (with Frankincense) and our Harakeke & Sweet Orange Conditioner Bar. The beautiful hinu pressed from Harakeke seeds offers deep nourishment and supports healthy, resilient skin and hair.
Working with this rākau is a privilege and one that comes with responsibility. We acknowledge the tikanga that surrounds Harakeke and the mātauranga that guides its respectful use.
Harakeke, he taonga.