What if one of New Zealand's largest agricultural by-products could become one of its most valuable manufacturing resources?

That question sparked the creation of Materially Kiwi, a business transforming kiwifruit by-product into a next-generation bio-based, leather-like material designed for applications ranging from luxury fashion and accessories to automotive interiors and premium consumer goods.

After seeing significant volumes of kiwifruit by-product go unused, the team recognised an opportunity to rethink waste as a premium material rather than a disposal problem. Beyond creating an alternative material, the vision has always been to build a new circular manufacturing industry for New Zealand that adds value to existing horticultural supply chains while creating high-value export opportunities. Every stage of development has focused on proving that sustainability, performance and premium design can exist together without compromise.

In 2025, Materially Kiwi (at the time known as Kiwileather Innovations) was still in the early stages of proving its technology and commercial potential. Entering the Fieldays Innovation Awards provided an opportunity to validate the innovation in front of industry, investors and commercial partners, while sharing its story with an audience that understands the importance of adding value to New Zealand's primary industries.

Being selected provided far more than exhibition space. It delivered credibility at a pivotal stage of the business and created opportunities to speak directly with growers, manufacturers, researchers, investors and global visitors who recognised the potential of creating higher-value products from agricultural by-products. For an early-stage company, that level of exposure helped accelerate conversations that may otherwise have taken years to establish.

"The outcomes exceeded expectations," says co-founder Shelley Houston "Fieldays significantly increased awareness of Materially Kiwi and generated valuable conversations with prospective customers, strategic partners and investors from New Zealand and overseas. The experience also strengthened our credibility within New Zealand's innovation ecosystem."

Since its first appearance, Materially Kiwi has continued building partnerships across research, horticulture and industry, expanded its network of brands interested in evaluating the material, and received recognition through several national and international programmes and awards. Media exposure from Fieldays helped amplify the company's story, while the Innovation Awards provided independent validation that continues to support conversations with potential collaborators and commercial partners. Today, more than 80 brands and organisations are following Materially Kiwi's progress towards commercialisation.

The difference between the company's 2025 and 2026 participation has been transformational. In 2025, Materially Kiwi arrived with a promising innovation. By 2026, it returned with a refreshed business identity under its new name, alongside significant technical progress, stronger commercial partnerships and a much clearer pathway towards manufacturing and international markets.

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(Pictured: Shelley Houston, co-founder)

Over the past year, the company has continued advancing its material through research and development, strengthened its intellectual property position, expanded collaborations with leading research organisations and industry partners, and further refined its commercial strategy. Returning to Fieldays allowed visitors to see that progress first-hand and demonstrated that Materially Kiwi is not simply an idea, but a business steadily building the foundations for long-term commercial success. Participating across consecutive years has also reinforced its credibility, showing stakeholders a commitment to delivering on its vision and continuing to build momentum.

Reflecting on the journey, co-founders Shelley Houston and Chris Harper describe the Fieldays Innovation Awards as "one of the defining milestones" for the business.

"Our first year helped introduce Materially Kiwi to New Zealand and provided confidence that our innovation had genuine commercial potential. Returning the following year enabled us to demonstrate measurable progress, strengthen existing relationships and establish many new ones."

Now, the focus is on progressing towards pilot-scale manufacturing, continuing material validation with commercial partners, expanding into international markets and establishing New Zealand as a leader in high-value, bio-based material innovation. For Materially Kiwi, the Innovation Awards have become much more than an annual exhibition. They have become an important platform for building connections, validating ideas and accelerating world-class innovation from New Zealand.

We look forward to seeing where Materially Kiwi heads next, and following them on their journey. To learn more about the company and its innovative bio-based material, visit their website here.