Nau mai haere mai, welcome.
Since I was a child I have loved learning, had a deep appreciation for the natural world and loved helping people. I currently work within the tertiary education sector in Aotearoa New Zealand. I have previously lived and worked in mainland China, and the United Kingdom.
My specialist area of research is sustainability in the textiles and fashion design industry. Research seeks to document humankind’s impact on the natural environment and to design new processes or strategies for reducing resources use in the textile and fashion industry. I have previously collaborated with scientists to measure levels of nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs), a highly toxic chemical used in clothing production, in garments imported into New Zealand. Data gathered demonstrates the impact of use of NPEs on waterways and this research is the first of its kind in New Zealand.
I am deeply interested in the human experience of clothing consumption. As a result I enjoy interviewing people about their everyday experiences around clothing. For example, data based on interviews with consumers in the Waikato led to developing strategies to increase the longevity of garments at the design stage. How human beings adapt to living lightly on the earth is at the heart of much of my research.
My own design practice seeks to put into practice ideas through running workshops, social media campaigns, experimental colouration processes and student post graduate supervision.
I love collaboration - if you do too, please reach out and connect.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3938-4625
Email: rebekah.harman@wintec.ac.nz