OKORO
Te Maramataka o Te Hiku - okoro
The maramataka is the traditional measure of time used by our tupuna utilising the lunar phases. It incorporates a sensory understanding of our environment and differs from rohe to rohe, depending on each area's environmental factors and signs. In Te Hiku our Maramataka is the 'Okoro'.
Some days (nights) of the Maramataka are better to do certain activities than other days. For example, planting and harvesting food supplies was conducted almost always through consulting the Maramataka.
Similarly, fishing or convening an important hui or special ceremonies, the Maramataka was consulted.
The Maramataka also marked significant annual events such as celebrations in the time of Matariki and other seasonal activities.
Hokianga astronomer - Rereata Makiha
Rereata Makiha is a maramataka expert and holder of ancestral knowledge.
Rereata Makiha talks about Maramataka Māori!
Click on the above photo of Rereata Makiha to read the article, 'Rereata Makiha: Holding on to ancestral knowledge'.
Rangi Mātāmua
Professor Rangi Matamua (Tūhoe) is a pioneering Māori scholar who has revolutionised understandings of Māori astronomy, and in particular Matariki.