In 2007 Stephen Tauwhare, a research scientist at Industrial Research Limited (now incorporated into Callaghan Innovation), participated in a video conference with four secondary schools to talk about the Harakeke Project at Industrial Research Limited and how scientific knowledge can be combined with traditional Māori knowledge.
Watch clips of Stephen talking about:
- How harakeke is used, and may be used in the future
- The way scientists can work with Māori communities to develop new knowledge together
Participating schools:
- Dunstan High School, Alexandra
- Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Tamaki Nui ā-Rua, Dannevirke
- Te Kura Kaupapa o Hoani Waititi Marae, Auckland
- Te Kura Kaupapa Ruamata, Rotorua
This video conference was organised in conjunction with Futureintech facilitators, who worked with schools and students to engage industry support.
Video clips
Related content
Harakeke under the microscope looks at a cross-cultural approach taken to learn more about the harakeke collection at the Dunedin Botanic Garden.
The article Preserving harakeke taonga covers Rangi Te Kanawa’s conservation work at Te Papa and includes a video in which she talks about the work being done to preserve precious dyed harakeke garments.
Activity idea
In the activity, Learning to see harakeke, students discuss the importance of observation in science. They are given the opportunity to observe harakeke and record their observations.
Useful link
Find out more about harakeke on the Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research website.
