Harakeke (flax) in Aotearoa, New Zealand

There are many cultural and spiritual elements

associated with harakeke (flax).

Dorothy always saids a karakia (prayer)

before she cuts the harakeke (flax)

When you cut harakeke (flax) you must never cut the (rito) baby or the awhi rito (parents) Maori speak about the harakeke (flax) bush as a whanau (family). Only the leaves third or preferably fourth from the centre, considered as the tupuna ‘grandparent’ leaves are cut. 

Tikanga of Harakeke

• Never cut leaves when korari (flower stalks) are growing.
• You must leave both sides of the plant balanced after cutting.
• If you are pregnant or menstruating you do not harvest harakeke; at this time you are in a state of Tapu.
• You should not try to harvest harakeke if you are unwell as illness and disease also destroy Tapu.
• Harakeke should be harvested during the day when the blades are dry, not at night or in the rain or frost.