Harakeke: The Protective Native

Also known as New Zealand flax, harakeke is one of those plants deeply connected to Aotearoa.

It grows in beautiful fans of long, upright, sword-like leaves, often found around wetlands, waterways and throughout the New Zealand landscape. Strong, resilient and generous, harakeke has been used by Māori for generations, with almost every part of the plant having a purpose.

The leaves were traditionally used for weaving, the roots for medicine and the natural gel from the leaves for soothing and healing the skin.

There is also something particularly beautiful about how harakeke grows and is harvested. The outer, mature tūpuna (grandparent) leaves are cut at a downward angle, while the central rito (child) and āwhi rito (parent) leaves are strictly left untouched.This protects the young growth at the centre of the plant and allows it to continue thriving.We love that this way of harvesting reflects the very nature of the harakeke plant itself- the outer leaves protecting those at the centre, and each generation having its place.

It is one of the reasons we love harakeke so much. There is something inherently nourishing and protective about this plant.

We use harakeke leaf extract in both our Toning Mist and Oil Moisturiser.

The extract we use is made with harakeke leaves harvested in Kawhia, Waikato by Mana Wahine, who carry a lineage of mātauranga Māori and knowledge about approaching and harvesting native botanicals in a sustainable and respectful way.The extract is produced by Organic Bioactives, it is a low-impact, cold crushing and pressing process designed to gently disrupt the plant cells while minimising exposure to heat and air.This helps retain the plant's natural vitality and efficiently releases its naturally occurring vitamins, antioxidants, enzymes and minerals for use in skincare formulations.

For skin, one of harakeke’s most beautiful qualities is its ability to bring moisture and softness.

The leaves contain a naturally gel-like, mucilaginous sap that helps attract and hold moisture. Used in skincare, this makes harakeke particularly beautiful for dry, dehydrated or weather-worn skin, helping it feel softer, calmer and more comfortable. 

When skin is properly hydrated, it is better able to maintain its natural barrier and protect itself from the environment. Dehydrated skin can feel tight, uncomfortable and more easily irritated, which is why consistent hydration is one of the simplest and most important things we can do for our skin.

Harakeke is also incredibly gentle. Its naturally soothing qualities make it a beautiful botanical for skin that is feeling dry, sensitive, tight or irritated. Rather than overwhelming the skin, it works in a gentle, supportive way - bringing moisture while helping to calm and soften.

For us, this is at the heart of what Tahi is about.

Fewer, purposeful ingredients. Native botanicals chosen not because they sound impressive, but because they have a reason to be there.

There is something special about using a plant that has been valued for generations, not only for what it can give us, but for the knowledge held around it and the way it is cared for.

Harakeke reminds us of protection, nourishment and renewal. Of looking after what is growing at the centre, while drawing strength from what surrounds it.

A little piece of Aotearoa and our rich history, brought into your daily ritual.