What does the name Hapene mean?
Hapene is a made up word, and a trademark of Hapene Flax NZ Ltd. It is derived from the Maori word 'hapine' which is used to describe the traditional method of scraping the flax leaf with a mussel shell to release the muka, or fibre.
How long will my Hapene last?
To put it simply - a very long time! Although flax is a natural fibre, it has amazing strength, and once dried, it can last for years and years. Unlike fresh flowers which will wilt and die, your Hapene will still be beautiful in years to come, with very little care required. What's more, if you are using the individual leaves to incorporate into floral arrangements, once the flowers have died the Hapene can still be reused over and over again in other arrangements. Simply allow any parts of the Hapene leaf to dry before re-using, and give the leaf a little stretch if necessary.
What happens if the Hapene leaves get wet, eg. if it is in a vase with fresh flowers and water?
The part of the Hapene leaf that gets wet will discolour (go brown), but this will not affect the rest of the leaf. It can still be used over and over again as long as you allow the leaf to dry between use. Having Hapene in a high moisture room such as a bathroom, or outside in the elements, is not recommended.
Does Hapene require any special care?
Not much at all. Just a light dust every so often is fine. No watering required! Keep it away from moisture and direct sunlight if possible, due to the fading effects of the sun.
How do I stretch the Hapene leaf without tearing it?
Sometimes you may want to stretch the leaves a bit to give them more shape/volume, and because sometimes humidity can cause the leaves to want to tighten up again. Stretch them gently, on an angle, so that your left hand is pulling downwards, and your right hand pulling upwards.
What colours does Hapene come in, and can I have special colours made to order?
Hapene comes in natural, and a variety of impressive dyed colours. Special colours can be requested, we will advise you if your requested colour is possible, but you may need to allow 4-6 weeks for the colour to be prepared. Click here for our current colour range.
Will Hapene change in colour over time?
The natural Hapene will eventually become paler, or 'straw-like', in colour. In fact, we think that Hapene looks better as it ages. The dyed Hapene will generally stay the same colour, but like any dyed items, it may fade slightly due to the effects of the sun and atmosphere, depending on the colourfastness and lightfastness of the particular coloured dye.
Can the natural Hapene be spray painted or dyed?
Yes, it can be both spray painted and dyed. Spray paint does tend to take the 'natural' look of the leaf away, but can also be quite effective if there are specific colours required for a design. Because just the surface of the leaf is being coloured it may be prone to paint flaking/rubbing off. You can also dye Hapene, but it's a major task. We recommend that you purchase the coloured Hapene from us, as there is still a lot of work to do on the leaf after it has been dyed.
Can you send it overseas, and can I take it overseas with me?
Yes, Hapene can go overseas. We can send it to almost every country in the world. If you take it overseas with you, just be sure to declare it - as 100% NZ Flax.
I am a member of FASNZ, how do I get the special discounted pricing?
If you haven't already received an email or letter from us, contact us with your details (including club details) and we will send you your special code and instructions for getting your discount.
Do you hold classes/workshops on how to make Hapene, or how to use it?
No, sorry.
Do you sell offcuts or seconds?
No, because we don't really have any! We use all parts of the Hapene leaf in all of our products, ensuring there is little waste, and what little there is left over gets placed back into our Pa Harakeke, to feed and nourish the rest of the plants.
Can you make to order special designs?
Absolutely! We love doing this. Contact us with your requirements and we'll see what we can come up with, just for you.
Do you have a shop? Where can I purchase Hapene products?
No, we don't have a shop. Everything is available in our online shop, and our stockists sell selected styles as well. Every now and then we exhibit at various shows around the country, which will be announced on our 'What's New' page.
