Fibre properties may be an important source of information to identify, conserve and protect intraspecific diversity within culturally significant fibre plants such as harakeke (Phormium tenax, New Zealand flax). M aori weavers recognise differences in wh ıtau * (fibre aggregate prepared using traditional practices) extracted from leaves of different harakeke cultivars. However, tensile properties of fibre aggregates are reportedly highly variable. The aim of this study was to investigate variation in fibre aggregate physical and mechanical properties among leaves harvested from different fans within two bushes representing different cultivars of harakeke. Tenacity, extension to maximum load, specific modulus and specific energy to maximum load of fibre aggregates differed between the bushes, and also among leaves within each bush. Leaf width and thickness were weakly correlated with fibre aggregate properties suggesting that wider, thicker leaves yield tougher and more pliable fibre aggregates. Variability among leaves differed according to the property measured, and was highest for fibre aggregate length and lowest for specific energy to maximum load. Although fibre aggregate tenacity (or strength) is commonly used to compare intra and interspecific fibre properties, specific modulus, extension at maximum load and specific energy to maximum load were all more appropriate for identifying intraspecific differences in harakeke fibre properties.

No abstract

No abstract

Mātauranga Māori ( Māori knowledge) relative to the selection and assessment of specific harakeke ( Phormium tenax J.R.Forst. & G.Forst., New Zealand flax) cultivars used for both traditional and contemporary weaving can be incorporated with textile science to develop a future management philosophy that is based on cultural concepts. In this paper, traditional management practices are merged with western environmental management strategies and developed with an overall aim of ensuring cultural sustainability of the resource.

Nāu i whatu te kākahu, he tāniko tāku. (Mead & Grove, 2001: 319) The above whakataukī (proverbial saying) symbolizes the joint alliance of a Welsh (that is non-Māori) materials engineer and a Māori user of cultural materials not only writing this article, but in the development of the holistic research philosophy and exemplar we are entitling Turuturu. Turuturu (methodological framework) embraces both mätauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) and Western science and engineering, and emerged as a result of changing perceptions of research methods by the authors. For many Western academics in both science and humanities, multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research projects are considered the norm. However, by considering different perspectives, discipline boundaries are challenged and can be re-negotiated as transdisciplinary research which has a similar framework to kaupapa Māori (Māori theory). A case study is provided in this article that employs Turuturu in the assessment of harakeke (Phormium tenax, New Zealand lowland flax) growing at Te Nohoaka o Tukiauau (Sinclair Wetlands) for weaving purposes. The assessments were completed from the perspectives of both a materials engineer and a Māori user of cultural materials. Conclusions are drawn regarding the interface of the two knowledge sets, especially as they merge and ameliorate as a singular method encapsulated within the korowai (cloak)1 of tikanga Māori (Māori custom, protocol). The research being Māori initiated, led and controlled, but involving Māori and non-Māori researchers, involves boundary crossing and a philosophy of open mindedness of all parties concerned.