Foxton and flax

Published: Aug. 30, 2011, 5:01 a.m.

The sleepy town of Foxton was once home to a thriving flax-milling industry. Native flax was a vital source of durable fibre for Māori, who made it into baskets, fishing nets and clothing. An export trade began from the 1820s, and a major industry developed, with large mills around Foxton. Archival audio sourced from Radio New Zealand Sound Archives, http://www.soundarchives.co.nz/. Sound files may not be reused without permission from Radio New Zealand Sound Archives (Reference number T428).