The Maramataka | Māori calendar

The maramataka is a planting and fishing monthly almanac. For most iwi, the lunar months begin with the new moon (Whiro), but for others it begins with the full moon (Rākaunui). The start of each month is aligned to the morning rising of particular stars. (Source: Te Aka)

What is the Maramataka | the Māori lunar calendar?

The Māori calendar begins in Pipiri (June/July) with the reappearance of the Matariki star cluster signalling the New Year. Learn the names of the months and nights in the traditional Maramataka.

Maramataka dial is displayed on a wall. To the left, a plant hangs into the frame. To the right, a taxidermied penguin appears in the frame. Under the dial can be seen an open book

How to use the Maramataka | Māori lunar calendar

Print a Maramataka dial, explore its energy levels, and use it to plan activities with your whānau.

Photograph of moon, Great Melbourne Telescope, 1 September 1873, moon’s age 9.0 days, 1873, Melbourne, by Melbourne Observatory. Te Papa (O.000014)

Months of the Maramataka | the Māori lunar calendar

In the traditional Māori Maramataka, or lunar calendar, the new year begins with the first new moon following the appearance of Matariki (Pleiades) on the eastern horizon. Usually this takes place in the period June-July.

Nights in the Maramataka | the Māori lunar month

Discover the nights in the Māori lunar month, and the activities related to them.

Puanga in the night sky (the brightest star in the photograph)

Astronomers explain Puanga and Matariki

Richard Hall, President of the Phoenix Astronomical Society, and Vice President Ian Cooper explain when we can see the star Puanga and why it’s linked to Matariki.