Aotearoa Ocean Racing and KiwiFibre Partner to Pioneer Harakeke-Based Composite Technology in Offshore Racing
- Luke Kuhn
- Nov 25
- 2 min read
Aotearoa Ocean Racing (AOR) has announced a partnership with KiwiFibre, a New Zealand materials technology company developing a world-first regenerative composite made from the native harakeke plant.
Long used by Māori in the construction of waka and traditional weaving, harakeke is being re-engineered by KiwiFibre into a high-performance natural fibre composite with exceptional strength-to-weight properties and significant environmental advantages over conventional carbon fibre materials.
The collaboration 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. This initiative forms part of AOR’s commitment to advancing sustainable innovation within performance marine engineering.
“Offshore racing is the ultimate test environment for innovative materials. 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.” - Conrad Colman, Co-Founder & Skipper, Aotearoa Ocean Racing
“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.” - Ben Scales, CEO & Co-Founder, KiwiFibre
Showcasing Kiwi Innovation at The Ocean Race 2027 Auckland Stopover
With the Auckland stopover of The Ocean Race 2027 set to bring the world’s leading offshore sailing teams to New Zealand, the partnership presents a unique opportunity to showcase Kiwi innovation in sustainable marine technology.
Plans are underway for educational exhibits and live demonstrations at the Race Village in Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter, where visitors will be able to experience the materials and engineering shaping the next generation of performance yachts.
This collaboration represents the convergence of innovation, culture, and national identity. Bridging cutting-edge science with Aotearoa’s deep ocean-exploring roots.
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.
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” — Rowan Gyde, Co-Founder, Aotearoa Ocean Racing
About Aotearoa Ocean Racing
Aotearoa Ocean Racing is New Zealand’s campaign to develop world-class offshore sailing talent and technology. Representing the nation on the global stage through performance, purpose, and innovation.
Learn more about AOR’s innovation programme and The Ocean Race 2027 campaign
Visit: www.aotearoaocean.racing.
About KiwiFibre
KiwiFibre is a New Zealand-based materials technology company pioneering regenerative composites made from native harakeke fibre. Its mission is to create natural alternatives to synthetic composites across marine, automotive, and consumer applications.
Visit: www.kiwifibre.com Media Enquiries:
Press Contact Name: Rowan Gyde
KiwiFibre Press Contact Name: Ben Scales
