Caring for Your Harakeke Toi

Each HeraCreative toi is made from harakeke (flax) grown in specific places across Aotearoa. Because harakeke is a living material, it continues to change after harvest — and understanding this natural process helps you care for your piece with confidence.

Natural Colour Change

Fresh harakeke is typically a soft green. As it dries, the whenu will naturally shift toward golden, straw, and warm honey tones. This is not damage — it is the material completing its transition from living plant to woven form, and is part of its character.

Dyed pieces may also soften slightly over time, particularly if exposed to direct sunlight. The degree of change can vary between pieces depending on the harakeke variety, the harvest location, and how the whenu was prepared. No two pieces will respond in exactly the same way.

Display

  • Avoid direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to strong, direct light may accelerate colour fading, particularly in dyed pieces. A spot with bright, indirect light tends to suit harakeke well.
  • Consider humidity. Harakeke responds to its environment. Very dry conditions (such as near heating vents or air conditioning) may cause some brittleness over time, while consistently damp spaces can introduce unwanted moisture. A stable indoor environment is ideal.
  • Allow airflow. Avoid displaying your toi in enclosed spaces without ventilation for extended periods.

Storage

If you need to store your piece, wrap it loosely in acid-free tissue or a clean, breathable cloth. Avoid plastic bags or airtight containers, which can trap moisture. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat sources and out of direct light.

For larger wall works, rolling or folding is generally best avoided. If your piece has a hanging method included, storing it flat or hung is preferable where space allows.

Safe Upkeep

  • Dust gently. A soft, dry brush or a gentle puff of air can help remove dust from the weave. Avoid damp cloths on the harakeke itself.
  • Spills. If liquid reaches your piece, blot gently with a dry cloth and allow the piece to dry naturally in a well-ventilated space. Do not use heat (such as a hairdryer) to speed drying.
  • Avoid chemical cleaners and polishes of any kind on the harakeke.

When to Get in Touch

If your piece has been damaged, has developed unexpected mould, or you are unsure how to address something, please reach out. Each piece is made with care and intention, and we are happy to offer guidance specific to your toi where we can.

You can contact HeraCreative through the contact page.

Harakeke is a taonga of Aotearoa, carrying connection to whenua and whakapapa. Caring for your piece is also a way of honouring that connection.