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 Papatūānuku

Papatūānuku.

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

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Matariki: The Māori New Year

Months of the Maramataka | the Māori lunar calendar

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Matariki: The Māori New Year

Months of the Maramataka | the Māori lunar calendar

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Quiz: How much do you know about Matariki and the Maramataka?