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 and Maramataka. 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.

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

Traditional Māori name for the lunar month

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