Maramataka: The Maori Calendar

Maramataka is a word that is used today for calendar but in ancient times it referred to the nights of the moon. Even today the timing of planting, fishing and other essential activities are governed by the nights of the moon. The traditional Māori yearly calendar itself is more ‘tohu’ based than lunar and its months begin when certain tohu (signs) appear. These tohu can be the appearance of certain stars, birds, flowering plants and other things, including the new moon. In New Zealand, the change in the timing of certain signs can differ even in areas that are only 40kms apart and so the best way to set your timing of the months is by observation of your own area. Listed here are the most commonly used names for the months but it should also be said that the names are often different between iwi (tribes). Where possible, the names of the tribes from which the names originate are in brackets.

THE MĀORI MONTHS

PIPIRI (Tuhoe)

Also known as Aonui (Ngati Kahungunu), Matahi a Puaka (Ngai Tahu), Te Tahi o Pipiri (Ngati Awa)

Southern hemisphere: June to July, Solstice around 21st June. Northern hemisphere: December to January, Solstice around 21st December.

Meaning ‘to huddle together’ Pipiri marks the first month of the Māori year. It is heralded when Matariki (the Pleiades) and Puanga (Rigel) appear on the horizon at dawn. This year it is expected on the 10th June. Matariki signals the time of final harvest when the very last of the Kumera is lifted and stored. Matariki (or Puanga on the West coast of New Zealand) is a very special time. At Matariki, people take special time to celebrate the gifts of the harvests and to honor their ancestors. At this time we tell the stories of our whakapapa (family histories), sing songs to the ancestors and feast while putting special foods out for the ancestors themselves. We also celebrate Maruaroa o Takurua - the Winter Solstice - which coincides with Yuletide in European Paganism. It is named for Hine Takurua, one of the two wives of Te Ra, the Sun. Hine Takurua is the Goddess of Winter and at the Winter solstice, she sends her husband into the care of the Goddess of Summer, Hine Raumati. This coincides with the European Pagan traditions of Yule, with the Oak King and the Holly King. At this time we celebrate the turning point of the seasons. The Sun will soon begin warming the earth as we move closer and Spring will be well on its way in a month. Traditional celebrations honor the preserved foods and for Maori, grateful thanks are offered to Hine Takurua for her gifts from the sea.

HŌNGONGOI (Tuhoe)

Also known as Te Aho turuturu (Ngati Kahungunu), Te Rua o Takurua (Ngati Awa)

Southern hemisphere: July to August, Northern hemisphere: January to February,

Hōngongoi means to sit close to a fire, while the word turuturu refers to the persistant dripping of the rain. Hōngongoi is the second month of Winter.

HERE TURI KŌKĀ (Tuhoe)

Also known as Here o Pipiri, Te Iho matua (Ngati Kahungunu), Te Toru (Ngai Tahu), Te Toru o Here turi kōkā (Ngati Awa)

Southern hemisphere: August to September, Northern hemisphere: February to March.

The last month of Hōtoke (winter) and one of the coldest, the name ‘Here turi kōkā’ refers to having to stay very close to the fires. Around the middle of Here turi kōkā, 'the Whitebait' season starts. This is when the tiny juvenile Inanga (native Galaxias fish) begins to migrate up the rivers to where they will spend their adult lives, returning to the estuaries for spawning. Spring flowers will start peeking through and the milking animals will soon start to produce milk again. This is the time of Imbolc in European Paganism. The Kowhai should also begin to bloom soon, signalling the time for the kumara to be planted in shallow beds for sprouting.

MAHURU (Tuhoe)

Also known as Te Whā o Mahuru (Ngati Awa), Tapere wai (Ngati Kahungunu), Te Wha (Ngai Tahu)

Southern hemisphere: September to October, Equinox around 21st of September. Northern hemisphere: March to April, Equinox around 21st of March.

When you hear the distinctive four-note song of the Pīpīwharauroa, the Shining Cuckoo, Here turi kōkā is at an end and Mahuru begins. Mahuru is the name of the Goddess of Spring. Her name means ‘quieted' or 'to be soothed’. In other words....the tough Winter is over - relax. But don’t relax too much because it’s also the first month of Kōanga (Spring) and it means it’s time to start preparing the gardens for planting. The seed for the Kamokamo (native squash) is planted when the last frosts clear just before the Spring Equinox.

WHIRINGA NUKU (Tuhoe)

Also known as Te Rima o Kōpū (Ngati Awa), Tatau urutahi (Ngati Kahungunu)

Southern hemisphere: October to November, Northern hemisphere: April to May.

The name Whiringa Nuku talks about the beauty of the earth. 'Whiringa' is a decorative but practical plaiting on the edge of a garment and 'Nuku' refers to wideness and the earth itself. Spring growth is at its best.

WHIRINGA Ā RANGI (Tuhoe)

Also known as Whitianaunau (Ngati Awa), Tatau-uruora (Ngati Kahungunu)

Southern hemisphere: November to December, Northern hemisphere: May to June

The name of the previous month talks of the beauty of the earth while this months name talks of the beauty of the sky. The sun is stronger, blue skies are here and Summer starts to show its face.

HAKIHEA (Tuhoe, Ngati Awa)

Also known as Akaaka nui (Ngati Kahungunu)

Southern hemisphere: December to January, Solstice around 21st December. Northern hemisphere: June to July, Solstice around 21st June.

Maruaroa o Raumati is the Summer Solstice, named for the Goddess of Summer - Hine Raumati. At the solstice, she sends her husband, Te Ra, on a journey back to his winter bride, Hine Takurua. Flowers are abundant, the Pohutukawa is spectacular and some crops become ready for harvesting. The Kamokamo should be ready about now.

KOHI TĀTEA (Tuhoe)

Also known as Kai Tatea (Ngati Awa), Ahuahu mataora (Ngati Kahungunu)

Southern hemisphere: January to February, Northern hemisphere: July to August

Kohi Tātea refers to the gathering of the many Summer fruits that are ready for picking at this time.

HUI TANGURU (Tuhoe)

Also known as Ruhi-te-rangi (Ngati Awa), Te Ihonui (Ngati Kahungunu)

Southern hemisphere: February to March. Northern hemisphere: August to September.

Hui Tanguru is named for the Tanguru, also known as the Kekerewai in some areas. It is a large green chafer beetle that was plentiful in the forests at this time of the year and particularly easy to catch for food.

POUTŪ TE RANGI (Tuhoe, Ngati Awa)

Also known as Putoki-nui-o-tau, Te Ngahuru (Ngai Tahu), Ngahuru kai paenga, Putoki nui o tau (Ngati Kahungunu)

Southern hemisphere: March to April, Equinox around 21st of March. Northern hemisphere: September to October, Equinox around 21st of September.

Poutū te Rangi is named for the star, Altair, that heralds the beginning of the maturing of the crops. Not long after this star rises above the horizon will the first Kumara harvests begin. In the south, preparations for the harvesting of the Tītī (Muttonbirds) begin.

PAENGA WHĀWHĀ (Tuhoe, Ngati Awa)

Also known as Ngahuru, ngahuru tahi, Tikaka-muturangi (Ngati Kahungunu)

Southern hemisphere: April to May, Northern hemisphere: October to November

Paenga Whāwhā refers to the Taro and Kumara harvests. Around this time, depending on the area, the leaves of Kumara go brown and are then ready for harvesting. It is a time of thanksgiving for the main crop harvests. In European Paganism, Samhain or All Hallows (celebrated at the end of October in the Northern hemisphere & end of April in the South), also celebrates the these harvests and honors the ancestors for their care and attention.

HARATUA (Tuhoe)

Also known as Haki haratua, Uruwhenua (Ngati Kahungunu)

Southern hemisphere: May to June, Northern hemisphere: November to December.

Harvests and preparations continue for the oncoming Hōtoke (Winter).

MARAMATAKA: THE MĀORI DAYS OF THE MONTH