The Detail Rural innovation sets the scene for New Zealand's future
Jun 16, 2025
Chris Harper, from Kiwifruit Leather Innovations, focuses on turning kiwifruit waste into sustainable leather alternatives. The discussion highlights cutting-edge agricultural innovations showcased at Fieldays, including eco-friendly solutions for farming. Harper shares insights on transforming waste into valuable products and the importance of collaboration with local designers. The podcast also touches on the potential revival of New Zealand's wool industry, emphasizing sustainability and market adaptability in the face of synthetic fibers.
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Kiwifruit Leather Innovation Story
- Chris Harper and his partner Shelley turned kiwifruit waste into leather through years of kitchen experiments and scientific trials.
- They are now developing a market-ready product with research support, aiming for November release and connections with big brands.
Local Kiwi Leather Production Potential
- Chris Harper plans to produce limited kiwifruit leather volume locally in Tauranga for New Zealand designers.
- The supply from kiwifruit waste is plentiful enough to support production without resource shortage concerns.
COVID Invention: Water-Monitoring Robot
- Geoffrey Tao Te Ao built an autonomous boat during COVID lockdown to map and monitor water quality in lakes.
- His tech expanded to drones and underwater robots, helping councils understand pollution spatially and affordably.