Story: Knowledge-based industries

Flax surfboard

Flax surfboard

This surfboard is made from harakeke – native New Zealand flax. It is made by Biopolymer Network, to demonstrate how sustainably produced materials from native plants and trees can replace those such as fibreglass, made from non-renewable petro-chemicals. Biopolymer Network is a biotechnology joint venture between three of New Zealand’s biggest Crown research institutes.

Using this item

Biopolymer Network

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Mark Derby, 'Knowledge-based industries - New knowledge industries', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/21740/flax-surfboard (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Mark Derby, published 11 Mar 2010, reviewed & revised 5 Dec 2017