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

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.

Find out more about the Maramataka | the Māori lunar calendar

In earlier times, each tribe had its own traditions and knowledge around Matariki. This lore was based on the tribe’s understanding of the stars and phases of the moon, and how these affected the rhythms of PapatūānukuPapatūānuku Mother Earth.

Please note that the traditional lunar months on the left do not occur at precisely the same as the English month on the left. Hence, Pipiri is not precisely the same as June.

 

Traditional Māori names for the lunar months

English

 Māori Transliteration of English

Pipiri

June

Hune

Hōngongoi

 July

Hūrae

Hereturikōkā

 August

Ākuhata

Mahuru

September

Hepetema          

Whiringa-ā-nuku

October

Oketopa

Whiringa-ā-rangi

November

Noema

Hakihea

December

Tīhema

Kohitātea

January

Hānuere

Huitānguru

 February

Pēpuere

Poutūterangi

 March

Māehe

Paengawhāwhā

April

Āpereira

Haratua

 May

Mei

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