In the traditional Māori Maramataka, or lunar calendar, the new year begins with the first new moon following the appearance of Matariki (The Pleiades) on the eastern horizon during the period of June-July.

The Maramataka has no months, just periods or ngā wā o te tau. Traditionally, you move through seasons according to the tohu (signs), such as the blossoming of certain flowers or the appearance of a particular stars.

A typical lunar month cycle lasts for 29.53 days. Each night carries a name according to the Maramataka. Starting with Whiro – the first night’s new moon and ending with Mutuwhenua – the last night moon. The cycle then starts again with the appearance of the next new moon Whiro, then Tirea, and so on.