Collecting Harakeke.
The first thing is to find a suitable supply of harakeke. It grows well in wet conditions. It also grows well in the garden. I have found there is a lot of flax growing around Sydney. In parks and near the beaches. Trimming the plant will keep it free of pests. Harakeke has been used for such a long time that it seems to expect to be looked after by a dedicated weaver.
You can harvest throughout the year however late summer is always the best time. Over the centuries tikanga / culture has developed about the right way to collect harakeke. Do not cut the rito and awhi rito, which is, the new growth consiting of the three leaves in the centre of a fan of harakeke. They are essential to maintain the future of the plant.
Avoid cutting in the rain as the leaves are more brittle and harder.
Cut the leaves from the inside out from the middle fan and downward as low as possible.
If the butt end is too long after cutting trim, leaving at least 20cm from where the two halves of the leaf are still together.
Clear away any waste material and dispose of in a place where all your waste material can compost.
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