A round the world yacht racing team is partnering with New Zealand-based materials technology company KiwiFibre to develop a world-first regenerative composite made from the country’s native harakeke plant.
Harakeke has been long used by Māori in the construction of waka and traditional weaving.
KiwiFibre is now re-engineering the plant into a high-performance natural fibre composite with ‘exceptional’ strength-to-weight properties and environmental advantages over conventional carbon fibre materials.
The collaboration with Aotearoa Ocean Racing (AOR) will see KiwiFibre’s material integrated into select non-structural components aboard AOR’s IMOCA yacht, enabling real-world testing under the extreme conditions of offshore racing.
Offshore racing is the ultimate test environment for innovative materials,
Conrad Colman
“Offshore racing is the ultimate test environment for innovative materials,” explained Conrad Colman, co-founder and skipper, Aotearoa Ocean Racing.
“By integrating KiwiFibre components into our race boats, we’re validating how natural fibres like harakeke can withstand the rigours of competitive ocean sailing while connecting innovation in composites to New Zealand’s maritime heritage.”
Ben Scales, CEO and co-founder, KiwiFibre, added: “Our partnership with Aotearoa Ocean Racing is both a tribute to the traditional materials of Māori waka and a bold step forward in proving how natural fibres can help solve some of the marine industry’s biggest environmental and health challenges.”
The Ocean Race 2027 is due to stopover in New Zealand’s capital city of Auckland where the latest developments will be shown.
Data and insights from AOR’s offshore testing will inform KiwiFibre’s continued R&D into scalable, high-performance biocomposites for marine and industrial applications.
“At Aotearoa Ocean Racing, we’re focused on developing technology and systems that deliver elite performance while reducing our environmental footprint,” explained Rowan Gyde, co-founder, Aotearoa Ocean Racing.
“KiwiFibre’s approach to regenerative composites aligns with our long-term goal of helping shape a more sustainable future for high-performance yacht design.
“At the Auckland stopover of the 2027 Ocean Race we will share our latest innovations with the yacht racing community.”
