Story: Māori clothing and adornment – kākahu Māori

Preparing and weaving harakeke (flax)

This 1947 newsreel clip shows the traditional methods of preparing and weaving harakeke, or New Zealand flax – one of the most essential and versatile clothing materials available to early Māori.

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Archives New Zealand - Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Reference: Weekly Review 280. National Film Unit, 1947

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How to cite this page:

Awhina Tamarapa and Patricia Wallace, 'Māori clothing and adornment – kākahu Māori - Adapting to new lands and climate', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/video/40986/preparing-and-weaving-harakeke-flax (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Awhina Tamarapa and Patricia Wallace, published 5 Sep 2013