matakite

11th Month of the Māori Year - April/May (2nd Year)

2011-05-26T17:32:00.000+12:00

Te Marama o Matariki He Maramataka Māori - Paenga-whāwhā

11th Month of the Māori Year - April/May

E puāwai ana te Maire Tawake. E tipu ana te Harore ki runga ki ngā rākau i ngā wāhi māku. Ka whānau hēki hoki ngā Wētā. Kei te kohikohia ngā Kūmara ki ngā taha o ngā māra hei mau ki ngā whata, ngā pātaka me ngā hāpuke. He iti noa te kaha o Tama nui te Rā. Kei te āhua kōpeke a Paptūānuku.
Swamp Maire are now in flower. Turkey Tails grow on trees in damp places. Weta begin laying eggs. Sweet Potato are stacked by the edge of the field in preparation for storage. Day light is shorter and Earth is much cooler.

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Te Tohu o Kaupeka - Tītī

Sign of the Season - Mutton Bird (Puffinus griseus)

‘Manawa tītī.’

‘The heart of a muttonbird.’

This whakatauākī (proverb) refers to the tenacity of the muttonbird to stay aloft for long

periods of time while out at sea. A reflection that resolve such as this will be rewarded.

When the young chicks of Tïtï are ready for harvest during Paenga-whäwhä (11th Matariki month) kümara are being cured on the edge of the fields in preparation for storing, daylight is shorter and earth is much cooler.

Tītī, known also as Sooty Shearwater and part of the petrel family, is an impressive medium-large chocolate-brown seabird found throughout the worlds oceans. They grow to 50cm in length and have a wingspans between 90-110cm. They have silver-grey strips on their underwings and webbed lilac feet with brown markings. Their upper bill is curved with a sharp hook on the end.

Although they belong to a huge global migrating community of around 60 million members, they lay only one egg in a season and return to the same burrows each year. Tītī will only breed in the temperate and subantartic regions of the southern oceans. The largest known colony, estimated at 2 million breeding pairs, lies 100 km to the south of Rakiura (Stewart Is.).

They depart on a solitary long-distance migration at the end of the nesting season. Muttonbirding (harvesting of young chicks) takes place over two consecutive stages, Nano, where chicks are taken by day from their underground burrows and Rama, where chicks are captured above ground on windy dark wet moonless nights. Birds were traditionally preserved in their own fat and stored in tītī-poha, inflated blades of hollowed bull kelp.

10th Matariki Month - Poutū-te-rangi (2nd Year)

2011-03-11T07:48:00.000+13:00

Te Marama o Matariki He Maramataka Māori - Poutū-te-rangi

10th Month of the Māori Year - March/April

Ki te kitea a Poutū-te-Rangi e maranga mai ana i te Rāwhiti, he tohu tēnei mo te wā Hauhake. Tïmata i te wā o te maranga o Whānui e kitea ana ki te tahatū o te rangi o te Raki ki te Rāwhiti. Kei te whai huarākau te Kaikōmako te Māhoe me te Karaka. He wā ngahuru ka taka ngā huruhuru o ngā manu. He wā rerenga atu o te Koekoeā, ka timata tōnā haere ki te whenua o Papua New Guinea, me te rere hoki o te Pīpīwharauroa ki ngā moutere te taha Rāwhiti o Fiji.

When Altair is seen rising in the east, prepare for the harvest. It is time to begin when Vega is seen rising in the northeast. White Wood, Kaikōmako and NZ Laurel are fruiting. Birds lose their feathers. Long-tailed Cuckoo leave for Papua New Guinea and the Shining Cuckoo fly to the islands east of Fiji.

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Te Tohu o Kaupeka -
Whānui
Sign of the Season - Vega,
Alpha Lyrae

'Ko Whānui e! Ko Whānui!’

‘Here is Vega! Here is Vega!’

This karanga (call) was heard when Whānui was first seen rising before dawn on the horizon.

When Whānui appears before dawn on the north eastern horizon at the time of fullmoon during Poutū-te-rangi (10th Matariki month), kūmara are lifted.

Whānui, known also as Alpha Lyrae, is a rapidly rotating navigational star 25.3ly from Earth in the constellation of Lyra and the 5th brightest star of the heavens. Whānui served as the North Celestial Pole Star from between 12’000 to 10’000 B.C. and will do so again in another 10’000 years.

Whānui descended from Rangi and Papa through Urutengangana (the God of Stars) and is the celestial parent of Kūmara (sweet potato), Ānuhe (caterpillar), Tūpoupou, Hīhue (kūmara moth), Toronū (caterpillar) and Moko (caterpillar). Kūmara was brought to the world as a food source by Rongo-māui, younger brother of Whānui, who concealed some kōpura (kūmara tubers) in his maro (loin cloth) after visiting Whānui in the celestial realms. On returning to the world he impregnated Pani-tinaku his wife who gave birth to kūmara on earth. Whānui was so angered by the deception of Rongo-māui he sent forth Ānuhe, Toronū and Moko to the world where they continue to ravage and wreak havoc on kūmara leaves to this day. Pani-tinaku was so disturbed by the infestation of caterpillars on her offspring she fled underground to cultivate the plants from below.

9th Matariki Month - Hui Tanguru (2nd Year)

2011-02-04T14:06:00.001+13:00

Te Marama o Matariki He Maramataka Māori - Hui Tanguru

9th Month of the Māori Year - February/March

Kua maranga mai a Rēhua ki te paerangi, te tahatū o Tonga ki te Rāwhiti. He tohu tēnei o te mutunga o te wā tupu o te huawhenua, huarākau. Kei te maoa mai ngā huarākau o te Ngaio me te Mokopapa, e kitea ana e inaina mai ana i roto i ngā ringa o Tama nui te Ra. Kei te tino wera me te tino maroke a Papatūānuku.

Antares is seen rising on the southern horizon bringing the end of the growing season. Berries are ripening on the Ngaio and Skinks are seen basking in sun. Earth is now very hot and dry.

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Te Tohu o Kaupeka - Rēhua

Sign of the Season - Antares, Alpha Scorpii

‘Haere, e whai i ngā waewae o Rēhua.’

‘Go and follow in the footsteps of Rēhua.’

This whakatauākī (proverb) is a reference to Rēhua as a skilled and esteemed chief

and one who inspires great leadership qualities.

When Rēhua appears on the southern horizon during Hui Tanguru (9th Matariki month), it signals the end of the growing season. Earth is now very hot and quite dry.

Rēhua, seen in the heavens as the bright heart of the Scorpio, is an important navigational star and red supergiant sometimes mistaken for Matawhero, the Red Planet, Mars.

Rēhua is the eldest offspring of Rangi and Papa, tūpuna of Māui and parent of Kaitangata (eater-of-people, in name only), known also as Awa-nui-a-rangi (great river of heaven), husband of Whaitiri (thunder). The blood of Kaitangata marks the red sky of the morning, warning of storms.

Rēhua illuminated the sky as lightening before ascending the celestial realms as an extremely noble and sacred personage to live in Te-Putahi-nui-o-Rēhua in Rangi-tuarea, the tenth and highest of heavens. When his brother Tāne made the long journey to see him, Rēhua, on having nothing to feed him, unwound the knots in the top of his hair and released the tui that lived there. The birds were then caught and cooked carefully over a fire by the people of Rēhua before being placed in an elaborately carved large empty gourd and offered to Tāne for sustenance. Tāne declined as the birds had been living on lice from the sacred head of Rēhua and were tapu. Rēhua then taught his brother the art of bird snaring and gave Tāne live birds to return to the world with.

8th Matariki Month - Kohi Tātea (2nd Year)

2011-01-10T08:16:00.001+13:00

Te Marama o Matarik He Maramataka Māori - Kohi Tātea

8th Month of the Matariki Year - January/February

Kei te kai ngā manu i ngā huarākau o te Kōtukutuku kei te rongohia te waiata o te tātarakihi i te atatū. He maha ngā putiputi o te Rātā me te Kānuka. Kua reri ki te hauhake i ngā huawhenua tuatahi.

Birds feed on the fruit of the Fuchsia. The songs of Cicadas are heard in the first light. Northern Rata and large Teatree are covered in flowers and the first foods are ripe.

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Tātarakihi Cicada
Melampsalta cingulata

‘Te tātarakihi, te pihareinga; ko ngā manu ēnā o Rēhua.’
‘The cicada and the cricket are the song birds of Rehua.’

This whakatauākī (proverb) is a reference to the heat of the summer,
when the sounds of cicadas and crickets are heard.

The days are long and hot and the first foods have ripened when the entrancing sounds of Tātarakihi are heard during Kohi Tātea.

Tātarakihi, known also as Tarakihi and Kihikihi, are large tropical cicadas found in grasslands and scrub, sand dunes and swamps from the coast to the subalpine regions of the North Island and some parts of the South Island of New Zealand. They appear from their dark underground burrows to mate during hot summer months.

They have four clear membranous wings attached to a tapering body with three sets of small legs and two bulbous eyes that protrude from the sides of its broad shaped blunt head. The large wings of the males quiver together to create clicking sounds heard at the end of each deafening chorus. It is only the males who are heard, females remain silent.

The eggs of Tātarakihi are laid on leaves of small shrubs and trees. On hatching, the lavae fall to the ground and tunnel into the earth where they feed on the root systems of trees. When the lavae mature they re-emerge from the earth to climb up the bark on the trunks of the trees where they slip out from the backs of their brittle brown bodies.

Tātarakihi are the offspring of Tūteāhuru and Hinepeke, who are the parents of all insects, vermin and lizards. Tātarakihi are known as the birds of Rēhua (Antares).

7th Matariki Month - Hakihea (2nd Year)

2010-12-07T21:02:00.001+13:00

Te Marama o Matariki He Maramataka Māori -
Hakihea

7th Month of the Matariki Year - December/January

Ka maranga mai a Pareārau i muri atu i a Tamanui te Rā. Kei te pūāwai te Rewarewa me te Ngaio. E kī ana ngā manga o te Porokaiwhiri i te huarākau. E tākaro whiu teka te Tiemiemi me te Kapowai i roto i te wera. Ka rongohia te reo o ngā pīpī manu, e waiata mai ana i o rātou kōanga. He wā mutunga mō te whakatō i ngā huawhenua.

Jupiter rises after the Sun. Honeysuckle and Ngaio are in flower.Pigeonwood branches are covered with fruit. Blue Damselfly and Common Dragonfly dart around in the heat. Young chicks can be heard and seen in their nests. The last of the crops are now planted.
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Raupō Bullrush

Typha orientalis

‘He tānga kākaho koia kia kitea e te kanohi,
tēna ko te kokonga ngākau e kore e kitea.’

‘If reeds used for thatching are not straight they are soon detected,
but not so the corners of the heart.’
This whakatauākī (proverb) is a reference to the obviousness of what is visible to us, while that which is submerged can neither be appreciated, nor clearly understood.

When the flowers of Raupō appear during Hakihea (7th Matariki month), the earth is hot and the crops have been planted.

Raupō is a native marsh plant growing wild on the margins of wetlands and swamps from the coast to montane regions throughout New Zealand. Raupō, known also as kōpūpūngāwha, kōpūngūwhā, koare, ngāwhā and kārito, dies away in winter and regrows again in the spring from a matted network of thick starchy rhizomes. Its soft spongy aerated leaves provide oxygen to the submerged parts of the plant. The velvety chocolate-brown female flowers explode during summer and autumn dispersing their densely packed downy seeds on the wind. Male flower spikes produce an abundance of deep-yellow pollen in the middle of summer.

Raupō is a valuable habitat for all kinds of wildlife and a highly respected food, medicinal and building resource. The reeds were used for covering poi, thatching for whare and storehouses, building mokihi or small river boats, sails and kites. The rhizomes were peeled then steamed, or eaten raw. The downy seed heads provided protection for open wounds, softness to sleep on and stuffing for poi. The pua or pollen was gathered and made into pungapunga, sacred, sweet breads blessed by Tohunga.

Raupō is said to be sustained by Wai-nui-ata, the personification of water and partner of Tiki the first man, who was made of red clay and Raupō.

6th Matariki Month - Whiringa-ā-rangi (2nd Year)

2010-11-05T08:24:00.011+13:00

Te Marama o Matariki He Maramataka Māori -
Whiringa-ā-rangi

6th Month of the Matariki Year - November/December

Ka maranga mai a Pareārau i te tahatū o te rangi rawhiti tonga ki te rawhiti. Kei te tiki kai ngā manu mō o rātou pīpī. Kei te pūāwai te Pōhutukawa me te Hīnau. Kei te kitea hoki ngā pepe pūriri i te ngahere. Kei te kaha te whiti o Tama Nui te Rä, he wā wera mō Papatūānuku.

Jupiter rises in the east-southeast. Birds gather food for their chicks. Pōhutukawa and Hīnau are covered in flowers. Puriri moths can be found in the forest. The sun is strong and earth is quite hot.

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Nīkau Cabbage Palm Rhopalostylis sapida

‘Te wao tapu nui a Tāne.’

‘The great sacred forest of Tāne.’

This whakatauākī (proverb) is a reference to Tāne as kaitiaki, or guardian of the forest and that all that grows or lives within it is sacred.

The sun has grown strong and earth is quite hot when the soft, sticky, lilac-pink flowers of Nīkau burst from their pods in Whiringa-ā-rangi (6th Matariki month).

Nīkau, the only species of palm native to New Zealand, can be found growing in coastal and low mountainous regions from North Cape at the far top of the North Island to Banks Peninsula on the east coast and Okarito on the western seaboard of the South Island. It also grows 800 km east on the cold windswept Islands of Rēkohu (Chatham) and Rangiauria (Pitt) at a latitude of 44° 18’S making it the worlds’ southern most palm. Those in the south are likely to be more frost-tolerant than those in the north, and those on the coast somewhat hardier than those in the bush.

Shaped by their environment, they can vary from upright and stout to gracefully arching. Nīkau are very slow growing. They can take between 40 to 50 years to form a trunk and over 200 years to reach 15m, or full maturity. About two, 3m long fronds, are shed from the tree every year, leaving a band of leaf scar behind on the trunk. The nectar filled clusters of sweet smelling flowers are a rich source of food for many insects and birds especially Kereru, as are its red berries.

It was also a valuable resource for māori. Care must be taken with the central leaf bud or rito, as damaging it will bring death to the tree. Nīkau is an offspring of Tāne Mahuta (God of the forest) and Tunarangi (Guardian of Koromiko, Fern-Root, Harakeke and Nīkau).

5th Matariki Month - Whiringa-ā-nuku (2nd Year)

2010-10-11T16:13:00.001+13:00

Te Marama o Matariki He Maramataka Māori -
Whiringa-ā-nuku
5th Month of the Matariki Year - October/November

Mai i ngā huringa āwhio o Aotahi me te hokinga mai o te Koekoeā i tōna haerenga tawhiti nui tawhiti roa, he tohu tēnei me tīmata te whakatikatika i te whenua mō te whakatō i te kūmara. Kei te kai te Tūi i ngā putiputi o te Harakeke. Kei te mahana ake a Papatūānuku kua rite te wā mō te tō i te kākano. He maha, he nui ngā mahi ahuwhenua.

The celestial movements of Canopus and the return of the Long-tailed Cuckoo from migration signals the time to prepare ground for planting the kūmara crops. Tui are feeding on the flowers of Flax. Earth is now warm and ready for seed. People are busy with gardens.

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Koekoeā Long Tailed Cuckoo

Eudynamys taitensis

‘Kawe tonu, Kawe tonu.’

‘Carry on, carry on.’

This whakatauākī (proverb) refers to the focused determination and strong will displayed by the Koekoeā during its long migration. A reminder that we too can overcome adversities with these qualities.

When the shrill piercing sound of Koekoeā rides in on warm westerly winds from the north during Whiringa-ā-nuku (5th Matariki month), it is time to prepare kūmara for planting.

Koekoeā, known also as Kōhopereoa and Kawekawekā, are a species of cuckoo in the Cuculidae family and are native to New Zealand. They spend most of their time in the canopies of New Zealands’ tall forests. Adults grow to about 40cm and weigh around 125gm. Their striking dark brown and buff speckled breast and long tail feathers were prized by the māori for cloaks.

They fly over 3’500km to return to the place of their birth for the warm months of summer, where they lays eggs to be reared in the nests of small birds such as whiteheads, yellowheads and brown creepers. Koekoeā chicks hatching first, throw the host chicks from the nest and then mimic their calls. Māori believed Koekoeā was supernatural and of heavenly origins, a child of Rakamaomao, brother to the God of the winds. When the cold winds return from the south in Poutū-te-rangi, the Koekoeā song disappears from our land and they leave home once again for the warmth of the tropics. Kūmara are now ready for harvest.

Some māori believed Koekoeā lost all its feathers in the cold months of winter and crept into holes where it hibernated in the form of a lizard, shifting its shape once again in the summer.

4th Matariki Month - Mahuru (2nd Year)

2010-09-09T00:07:00.000+12:00

Te Marama o Matariki He Maramataka Māori - Mahuru

4th Month of the Māori Year - September/October

Ka hoki mai te Pīpīwharauroa i tōnā rerenga ki tawhiti nui ki tawhitiroa. Kua hoki mai ki tōna wähi whānautanga, ki te whānau i ōna hēki. E pūāwai ana te Kōwhai, te Puawānanga me te Rangiora. Kua aata ara mai a Papatūānuku i tōnā moenga roa o te Hōtoke. Ka tīmata ngā mahi ki te whakatikatika i ngā māra kai.

Shining Cuckoo return from their migration to lay eggs in the place of their birth. Kōwhai, Clematis and Bushmans Friend are now in flower. Earth slowly wakes from a long winter sleep and the ground is prepared for gardens.

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Te Tohu o Kaupeka - Puawānanga

Sign of the Season - Clematis, Clematis paniculata

‘Tama tū, tama ora; tama moe, tama mate kai.’

‘He who works survives; he who is idle perishes.’

This whakatauākī (proverb) is a reference to the message brought by the arrival of Puawānanga (Clematis) and the Koekoeä (Shining Cuckoo) in the forests ‘Kia mataara! Awake!’

When the beautiful star shaped flowers of Puawānanga open in Mahuru (4th Matariki month), spring has arrived and it is time to prepare for planting.

Puawānanga, part of the ranunculaceae family is endemic to New Zealand and naturalized on Chatham Island. It can be found growing wild in both coastal and mountainous regions of the North, South and Stewart Islands. Flowers growing on vines further inland are usually larger than those on the coast and the male flowers are found on different plants and are larger in size than female flowers. The distinguished six-sepaled white unisexual flowers tumble over the tops of their host trees in clusters of 100 or more blossoms on vigorous evergreen woody vines. The broad oblong shaped leathery leaves of Puawānanga are quite smooth and dark green on top, with paler green undersides that are thinly coated in a layer of tiny white hairs.

Puawānanga, known also as Pōānanga, is an extremely sacred flower and as all beautiful flowers was borne of Rehua (Antares in Scorpio) and Puanga (Rigel in Orion), two eminent stars of the heavens.

The flowering of Puawānanga in spring also signals the upstream migration of tuna, elvers or young eels who are also the children of Rehua.

3rd Matariki Month - Here-turi-koka (2)

2010-08-26T21:34:00.001+12:00

Te Marama o Matariki He Maramataka Māori - Here-turi-kōkā

3rd Month of the Māori Year - August/September

Ka maranga mai a Whakaahu ki te tahatū o te Raki ki te Rāwhiti, kei te mau mai i te tupuranga hōu. Ka maranga mai hoki a Pareārau ki te paerangi o te Rāwhiti - Raki ki te Rāwhiti ki te ärahi mai, te kukume mai i Te Mangōroa ki te rangi tū-hāha. Ka kitea te Korimako e kai ana i ngā putiputi pūāwai o te Puahou me ngā Kohekohe. E makariri tonu ana Papatūānuku, engari kei te mahana te tangata mai i te inaina i te ahi.

Castor rises in the northeast bringing new growth. Saturn rises on the east-northeastern horizon to lead The Milky Way through the heavens. Bellbirds are seen feeding on the flowers of Five-finger and Kohekohe. Earth is still cold, people are warmed by their fires.

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Te Tohu o Kaupeka - Te Mangōroa
Sign of the Season - The Milky Way The Galaxy

‘E tūtaki ana ngā kapua o te rangi,
kei runga te Mangōroa e kōpae pū ana.’

‘The clouds in the sky close in
but above them extends the Milky Way.’

This pepeha (metaphor) reminds us to reach beyond that which may adversely effect our opinion of something to the place where a far greater potential lies waiting.

Mangōroa can be seen sinking into the south-western horizon just before dawn during Here-turi-kōkā (3rd Matariki month). The earth is still cold and people stay warmed by their fires.

Mangōroa is known also as Te-Ika-a-Maui or The Fish of Maui, Te-Ika-matua-a-Tangaroa, Te-Ika-o-te-rangi, Te-Ika-roa-o-te-rangi, Te-Tuahiwi-nui-o-rangi, Te-whenua-o-te-rangi, Te-Mangaroa, Te Mangoroiata, Te Mokoroa-i-ata, Te Paeroa o Whänui, Te-Ika-roa, Te-Ika-o-Raki, Te Tuahiwi o Rangi-nui, Whiti-kaupeka, Te Kupenga a Taramainuku, Te Awanui a Rangi, Long Fish and Long Shark.

It is a beautifully spiraled galaxy made up of dust, gas, and more than 400 billion stars some 43488.44 ly away, 0.156 MLY in diameter and 15590.6 ly in thickness.

Mangōroa, the largest tribe of ra ririki or little suns (stars) in the sky is said to have been carried to the heavens in the form of a great luminous basket known as ‘Ko Te Mangōroa tonu taua kete’ in Uruao, the waka atua or supernatural canoe of Tamarereti, to adorn the body of Ranginui, the sky father. Others say it was Māui, the atua trickster who released the shark in the sky known as Mangōroa. Its task is to mark the passage of time during the night and lighten the morning hours.

2nd Matariki Month - Hōngongoi (2)

2010-07-12T07:12:00.000+12:00

Te Marama o Matariki He Maramataka Māori - Hōngongoi

2nd Month of the Māori Year - July/August

Ka mimiti atu Meremere te whetū o te ahiahi i te 20:06 ki te parera kotipu. Kei te whai hua te Putaputaweta, ka kitea hoki ngā pūāwai o te Kōtukutuku ki runga i te whenua. Kei te tino makariri a Papatūānuku. Me noho tonu te tangata ki te pāinaina i te ahi, kia whai mahana tonu.

Venus, as the evening star sets at 20:06 in the west-northwest. Marble Leaf is covered in fruit and flowers of the Fuchsia Tree are found on the ground. Earth is now very cold, people must stay by their fires to keep warm.

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Te Tohu o Kaupeka - Tautoru
Sign of the Season - Orions’ Belt (Stars)

Mintaka, Alnilam and Alnitak

‘Kua kitea tetahi whetu, ko Tautoru, matangi tau tika, noho ki roto.’

‘When the stars of Tautoru appear, the wind remains set between the whakarua and tonga points of the compass.’

This whakatauākī (proverb) is a reference to the direction of the winds at this time of the year when Tautoru is seen rising, and a reflection of the moment he fell to his death in the dawn.

When the bright stars of Tautoru are seen rising in Hōngongoi (2nd Matariki month) on the eastern horizon just before dawn, the earth is quite cold and people must stay by their fires to keep warm.

Tautoru, known also as the whata of Puanga, Te Tira o Puanga, Te tuke o Maui, Te Tata o Tautoru and Te-tuke-o-Tautoru is comprised of 3 stars, Mintaka, Alnilam and Alnitak.

Tautoru the bird snare, is seen being pulled through the heavens by Puanga (Rigel), the bright ripe-red berry that lures the birds to rest from their flight on the perch of Tautoru.

Tautoru was known as a very esteemed bird snarer who invoked the bird snaring skills of Tāne Mahuta, God of the Forest, through rituals and karakia. Rauroha, the beautiful Goddess of Air, fell in love with Tautoru and slipped from the sky to be with him each night. Tautoru was forbidden to gaze at her face as her features were tapu and she would leave him again as the dark became dawn. Tautoru fell to his death during Hōngongoi, when in yearning to witness her beauty he watched as the first rays of light touched her face, ending bird snaring season. When Tāne Mahuta learnt of the death of Tautoru, he took him up to the heavens and transformed him to the shining bird snare star cluster bearing his name.

1st Matariki Month - Pipiri

2010-06-14T08:23:00.003+12:00

Te Marama o Matariki He Maramataka Māori - Pipiri

1st Month of the Māori Year - June/July

Ka kitea a Matariki me Puanga i te atapō tonu i te tahatū o te Raki ki te Rāwhiti ki te paerangi o te Rāwhiti. Kei te pūāwai te Kohekohe, me te taka o te huarākau ki te whenua. E makariri ana a Papatūānuku me ōna uri katoa.

Pleiades and Rigel can be seen just before dawn in the east-northeast and eastern horizon. Kohekohe is in flower and Supplejack fruit is found on the ground. Earth is now cold, so too are her people.

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Te Tohu o Kaupeka - Puanga
Sign of the Season - Rigel (Star)

‘Ka tahia te marae i a Puanga ka puta i te ata,

a tae noa ki te marama tekau ma rua, a ma rua tuma.’

‘The marae was swept when Rigel appeared in the morning,

also in the twelfth month and the odd one.’

This whakatauākī (proverb) relating to the task of cleaning when Puanga is seen rising before the dawn is a reference to preparing the home and grounds for celebration and the coming new year.

When Puanga appears the Earth becomes cold and so to do her people.

Puanga, known also as Pua-tawhiwhi o Tautoru, Poaka, Puaka and Puangarua, a navigational star and food-bearer associated with the cultivation of kümara in the constellation of Orion, is one of the most beautiful of all stars in the heavens. It can be seen leading Tautoro (Orions Belt), the whata or food store of Puanga, across the heavens, while pulling in the light of day from behind.

Māori were said to regard the giant shining red light of Puanga as a large ripe red berry. Kereru and other native birds perched on the store house of Puanga during their long flight through the heavens to feed on the berry. Blessings and gifts are offered up to Puanga when it appears on the eastern horizon.

Puanga, known as a child of Wahitiri, the personified form of Thunder, ascended to the heavens with Matariki from their mother Raro, the Underworld. Puanga is said to be the parent of Aotahi (Canopus) and with Rēhua (Antares), the parent of Puawananga or Clematis. Puanga challenges the role of Matariki as the Celestial sign of the coming New (Matariki) Year and in some tribal regions is known for this task.

matakite: 1st Matariki Month - Pipiri

2010-06-14T07:06:00.000+12:00

matakite: 1st Matariki Month - Pipiri
Mate atu he tete kura, ara mai ano he tete kura
One frond dies and another frond takes its place (just like the Matariki Year)

12th Matariki Month - Haratua

2010-05-12T23:14:00.002+12:00

Te Marama o Matariki He Maramataka Māori - Haratua

12th Month of the Māori Year - May/June

E pūāwai tonu ana ētahi Rātā. E whakamine ana te Kawau Pū. He wā ngahuru ka taka ngā raurau o ngā rākau. Kei roto katoa ngā Kūmara i ngā pātaka kai. E makariri ana a Papatūānuku. Kua oti katoa ngā mahi hauhake huawhenua i roto i tēnei wā o te marama āwhio.

Some Rata are flowering. Black Shag are seen found roosting in larger numbers. Deciduous natives start losing their leaves. Sweet Potato are now safely stored. Earth is growing cold. All tasks connected with harvest are completed within this lunar cycle.

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Te Tohu o Kaupeka - Kawau Pū

Sign of the Season - Black Shag (Phalacrocorax carbo)

“He Kawau ka tuku ki roto ki te aro maunga”
“A cormorant makes straight for his home on the heights”

This whakatauākī (proverb) reflects on the Kawau as a warrior of execution and accomplishment due to the direct flight of this bird, a reference to those who remain focused on their objectives.

When Kawau Pū nest, the earth has grown cold and all tasks connected with harvesting crops are completed.

Kawau Pū, a black-footed shag also referred to as the Black or Great Cormorant, is a large inland shag native to New Zealand that grows to a height of 88cm and can weigh 2.2kg. It is predominately covered in sleek blue-black feathers with white feathered cheeks and white thighs when breeding. It has a pale grey bill and green eyes. Kawau Pū have long necks are very strong swimmers with their short legs and webbed feet, they are capable of diving to a depth of 12m feeding on fish, eels, shellfish and freshwater crays.

They are commonly seen from the coasts to high alpine regions of North and South Islands, perching precariously on posts, rock ledges and in trees, or roosting together in colonies on dishevelled nests of seaweed and sticks from Haratua to Whiringa-ā-nuku (12th to the 5th Matariki month).

Kawau Pū are known as Te Mokopuna a Terepunga, the grandchildren of Terepunga, who with Noho-tumutumu are the personified forms of the Kawau. Terepunga is descended from Ranginui-ā-Tama (or Tamaiwaho) an Atua of War who in turn is descended from Rangi and Papa. Kawau were held responsible for instigating the war between the birds of the land and seabirds.

11th Matariki Month - Paenga-whawha

2010-05-02T19:45:00.000+12:00

Te Marama o Matariki He Maramataka Māori - Paenga-whāwhā

11th Month of the Māori Year - April/May

E puāwai ana te Maire Tawake. E tipu ana te Harore ki runga ki ngā rākau i ngā wāhi māku. Ka whānau hēki hoki ngā Wētā. Kei te kohikohia ngā Kūmara ki ngā taha o ngā māra hei mau ki ngā whata, ngā pātaka me ngā hāpuke. He iti noa te kaha o Tama nui te Rā. Kei te āhua kōpeke a Paptūānuku.

Swamp Maire are now in flower. Turkey Tails grow on trees in damp places. Weta begin laying eggs. Sweet Potato are stacked by the edge of the field in preparation for storage. Day light is shorter and Earth is much cooler.

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Te Tohu o Kaupeka - Maire Tawake

Sign of the Season - Swamp Maire (Syzgium maire)

When the flowers of Maire Tawake appear the air becomes cool and daylight grows shorter.
Maire Tawake, known also as Whāwhākou and Tuhuhi, is an evergreen tree, native to New Zealand with smooth bark and a multi-branched canopy growing to a height of 15 m. It is found growing in the marshes of the North and upper South Island forests from sea level to 450 m where it develops a system of breathing roots to cope with the waterlogged soils of the swamplands. It also survives when surrounded by water.

Clusters of creamy-white flowers (similar to those of white rata) are borne upon single stems with paired opposite leaves during Paenga-whāwhā (11th Matariki Year). Flowers follow the juicy red berries of Maire Tawake hold only one seed and take twelve months to ripen. The berries were relished by Mäori and earlier settlers who made Waiwaka pudding, a deliciously mouth-watering sweet with an abundance of juice. The berries contain an extremely high concentration of antioxidants (18 times higher than blueberries).

The bark and leaves of Maire Tawake were used as rongoa, traditional medicine and a blue-black dye was obtained from the bark and leaves of the Tuhuhi.

10th Matariki Month - Poutu-te-Rangi

2010-03-16T01:00:00.008+13:00

Te Marama o Matariki He Maramataka Māori -

Poutū-te-rangi

10th Month of the Māori Year - February/March

Ki te kitea a Poutū-te-rangi e maranga mai ana i te Rāwhiti, he tohu tēnei mo te wā Hauhake. Tïmata i te wā o te maranga o Whānui e kitea ana ki te tahatū o te rangi o te Raki ki te Rāwhiti. Kei te whai huarākau te Kaikōmako te Māhoe me te Karaka. He wā ngahuru ka taka ngā huruhuru o ngā manu. He wā rerenga atu o te Koekoeā, ka timata tōnā haere ki te whenua o Papua New Guinea, me te rere hoki o te Pīpīwharauroa ki ngā moutere te taha Rāwhiti o Fiji.

When Altair is seen rising in the east, prepare for the harvest. It is time to begin when Vega is seen rising in the northeast. White Wood, Kaikōmako and NZ Laurel are fruiting. Birds lose their feathers. Long-tailed Cuckoo leave for Papua New Guinea and the Shining Cuckoo fly to the islands east of Fiji.

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Te Tohu o Kaupeka - Poutū-te-rangi

Sign of the Season - Altair

‘Te ngahuru tikotikoiere, Ko Poutū-te-rangi te matahi o te tau...’
‘Altair carries the first fruits of the year, a bountiful time... ’

The above lines, from an oriori (lullaby) whose main narration relates to the mythical theme of the kūmara, are sung to children when the bright star Poutū-te-rangi appears in the sky.

The oriori is said to have been composed by Enoka Te Pakaru of Te Aitanga-a-mahaki (Taurawhiti/East Coast).

Poutū-te-rangi marks the completion of the growing season. When its light appears before dawn it signals a prosperous time when crops can be lifted and storehouses filled.

Poutū-te-rangi, a navigational star and food-bearer associated with the cultivation of kūmara is located some 15-17 light years from Earth in Aquila, a constellation found in Mangōroa, the Milky Way. Poutū-te-rangi is one of the closest stars visible with the naked eye and is noted for its extremely rapid rotation.

Its appearance heralds a time when Tohunga or Mata Paheru enter the kūmara fields to appraise the maturing tubers. Harvesting takes place over six days from the waning moon-night of Korekore-turua (22), after Whānui (Vega) is sighted, when all signs of mist and dew have left the morning and continues till the Sun reaches its zenith, when harvesting ceases to avoid any dampness affecting the crop.

Poutū-te-rangi is seen as a large hue or gourd in the heavens, its name originates from the Pou or posts that Tāne Mahuta used to lift Rangi the Sky Father from Papatūānuku the Earth Mother so that the light and warmth of the Sun could fall upon Earth.

9th Matariki Month - Hui Tanguru

2010-02-09T01:00:00.011+13:00

Te Marama o Matariki He Maramataka Māori - Hui Tanguru

9th Month of the Māori Year - January/February

Antares is seen rising on the southern horizon bringing the end of the growing season. Berries are ripening on the Ngaio and Skinks are seen basking in sun. Earth is now very hot and dry.

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Te Tohu o Kaupeka - Mokopapa

Sign of the Season - Skink (Oligosoma nigriplantare)

‘Taua ki uta, taua ki te wai’

‘We of the land, we of the sea.’

This whakatauākī (proverb) refers to the choices made by Ikatere and Tū-te-wehiwehi (the sons of Punga), a reflection of decisions and choices once made by our own Ancestors. Choices that continue to affect our lives and direction today.

When Mokopapa are seen basking in sun, the rain has moved away, earth becomes dry and is very hot.

Mokopapa, most commonly encountered in the southern part of the North Island of New Zealand, are found living in dry open areas where small insects and spiders are plentiful such as decomposing leaf matter and logs, underneath stones and houses, and around gardens. The colours and markings of Mokopapa vary as does their size. They have exceptional senses, are extremely alert and can swim very well. They can grow to a length of 350mm and give birth to 8-9 live young during Hui Tanguru (9th Matariki month), unlike other skink who lay eggs.

They are ‘Te Aitanga-ā-Punga’, descendants of Punga, a supernatural being and ancestor of misshapen forms and son of Tangaroa (guardian of the sea), Two sons of Punga, Ikatere and Tü-te-wehiwehi, fled for their lives when Tāwhirimātea (guardian of storms), declared war on his brothers in revenge for the cruel separation of Papa and Rangi, their parents. Both brothers initially took refuge in the sea before Tū-te-wehiwehi fled to the forest where he became the ancestor of lizards, leaving his brother to become ancestor to certain species of fish.

Mokopapa, like Tuatara were perceived as kaitiaki for mauri, the guardians of life force who protected health, the vitality of trees and the forests and watched over the dead.

8th Matariki Month - Kohi Tatea

2010-01-16T07:19:00.009+13:00

Te Marama o Matariki He Maramataka Māori - Kohi Tātea
8th Month of the Māori Year - January/February

Birds feed on the fruit of the Fuchsia. The songs of Cicadas are heard in the first light. Northern Rata and large Teatree are covered in flowers and the first foods are ripe.

Tohu o Kaupeka - Rātā
Sign of the Season Northern Rata (Metrosideros robusta)

‘Kia mau ki te aka matua; kei mau ki te aka taepa .’
‘Hold fast to the strong parent vine, rely not on the loose vines.’
This whakatauākī (proverb) derived from the journey of Tāwhaki and his brother Karipi, cautions against casting away reality for illusion.

When the Rātā bursts into flower summer is at hand and the first foods are ripe.

Rātā, a native of New Zealand once widespread in forests from sea level to 900m throughout the North Island, Three Kings Island and in north-western regions of the South Island, can grow to a height of some 40m. The crimson flowers of Rātā can be seen straddling the canopies of the dark green forests from Kohi Tātea (8th Matariki month). Rātā begins life as an epiphyte in the crowns of tall forest trees.

As Rātā grows the epiphyte sends aerial roots down the outside of the trunk to take root in the earth, eventually overcoming its host in a massive network of gnarled vines that merge together encasing the host tree completely. Although Rātā is a very strong wood with an unusually long life, it eventually succumbs to a similar fate through its own shallow roots, and falls to the earth under the weight of numerous epiphytes, lilies, mosses and ferns that have fastened themselves to it over the years.

In Māori mythology Rātā, the son of Wahie-roa and Tonga-rau-tawhiri, is grandchild of Tāwhaki, who ascended the heavens by climbing the strong aka matua, or parent vine. The crimson of the flowers came from the blood of Tāwhaki, who later fell back to the world having been cast from the heavens.

7th Matariki Month - Hakihea

2009-12-17T13:02:00.005+13:00

Te Marama o Matariki He Maramataka Mäori - Hakihea

Seventh Month of the Mäori Year - December/January

Ka maranga mai a Pareärau i muri atu i a Tamanui te Rä. Kei te püäwai te Rewarewa me te Ngaio. E kï ana ngä manga o te Porokaiwhiri i te huaräkau. E täkaro whiu teka te Tiemiemi me te Kapowai i roto i te wera. Ka rongohia te reo o ngä pïpï manu, e waiata mai ana i o rätou köanga. He wä mutunga mö te whakatö i ngä huawhenua.

Jupiter rises after the Sun. Honeysuckle and Ngaio are in flower. Pigeonwood branches are covered with fruit. Blue Damselfly and Common Dragonfly dart around in the heat. Young chicks can be heard and seen in their nests. The last of the crops are now planted.

Te Tohu o Kaupeka - Pareärau
Sign of the Season - Jupiter

‘He whetü nui a Pareärau, he wahine karihika, he wahine tiweka’

‘The great star Jupiter, an immoral woman, a wandering woman.’

This whakatauäkï (proverb) is a reference to the wanton ways of Pareärau as she traverses the heavens. At this time of the year Pareärau rises in the morning beside Köpü (Venus), her companion. Over the course of following nights in the season however, Pareärau wanders away and is associated with numerous stars and other planets throughout the seasons.

When Pareärau rises the last of the crops will be planted.

Pareärau (as Jupiter), known also as Hine-i-tiweka and Köpünui, is a giant ball consisting of hydrogen and helium gas, is greater in size than all of the moons and other planetsPareärau combined.

Both Jupiter and Saturn are known as Pareärau, a direct reference to the cloud bands of Jupiter and rings around Saturn.

Another distinctive feature is the ‘eye’ of Jupiter, a swirling mass of gas and dust particles known as the Great Red Spot. Although Jupiter takes almost twelve years to orbit the Sun, it rotates on its axis much faster than all other planets, one ‘day’ on Jupiter equals around 600 minutes or ten hours on Earth.

When a shimmering halo of mist surrounded the bright yellow-white planet a storm, or wet-weather season approached. It is said that some Tohunga, Mäori priests with great mana, who were sufficiently versed in the ways of the heavens and heavenly bodies, were known to utilize this occurrence at will. When these Tohunga needed to communicate with distant regions they created the phenomenon of the shimmering halo of mist around Pareärau.

Rä Pare (Thursday) honours Pareärau (as Jupiter).

6th Matariki Month - Whiringa-ä-rangi

2009-11-17T08:14:00.006+13:00

Te Marama o Matariki He Maramataka Mäori

Whiringa-ä-rangi

6th Month of the Mäori Year - November/December

Ka maranga mai a Pareärau i te tahatü o te rangi rawhiti tonga ki te rawhiti. Kei te tiki kai ngä manu mö o rätou pïpï. Kei te püäwai te Pöhutukawa me te Hïnau. Kei te kitea hoki ngä pepe püriri i te ngahere. Kei te kaha te whiti o Tama Nui te Rä, he wä wera mö Papatüänuku.

Jupiter rises in the east-southeast. Birds gather food for their chicks. Pöhutukawa and Hïnau are covered in flowers. Puriri moths can be found in the forest. The sun is strong and earth is quite hot.

Te Tohu o Kaupeka - Pepetuna

Sign of the Season - Puriri Moth (Aenetus virescens)

‘He iti mokoroa e hinga puriri.’

‘The little mokoroa grub fells a puriri tree.’

This whakatauäkï (proverb) reminds us that small things can have a huge impact in our world.

When Pepetuna are found in the forests the sun is strong and earth is quite hot.

Pepetuna, known also as the Ghost Moth, is the largest native moth of New Zealand with wings spanning up to 15cm. It can be found in abundance during Whiringa-ä-rangi (6th Matariki month) laying its eggs in North Island forests.

Pepetuna is said to be descended from Hinepeke and Tuteahuru, grandson of Tane. Its name is a reference to the moth in its caterpillar form as a food source for migrating eels (tuna) and is known as a spiritual messenger seen flying at dusk and into the night back to realms of its ancestors.

The forewings of the male are soft velvety-green with pale green and white markings over white coloured hind wings. The forewings of the female are a velvet green with dark black mottled markings and soft camel coloured hind wings. Adult moths have a life span of one or two days, just long enough to lay eggs. They possess no mouthparts so cannot feed. When the eggs hatch, mokoroa or larvae spend a year on the ground in decaying wood before making their way into trunks of Puiriri and other native trees by excavating small tunnels that they seal with a webbing of silk for protection. They stay in these tunnels for up to seven years, growing up to 80mm on regenerating wood tissue just under the bark. It becomes a chrysalis upon leaving the tunnel before its brief transformation into a moth.

5th Matariki Month - Whiringa-ā-nuku

2009-10-18T18:33:00.008+13:00

Te Marama o Matariki He Maramataka Māori -

Whiringa-ā-nuku

5th Month of the Matariki Year - October/November

Te Tohu o Kaupeka - Harakeke

Sign of the Season - New Zealand Flax (Phormium tenax)

‘Hutia te rito. Hutia te rito o te harakeke. Kei hea te korimako e ko? Ki mai ki ahau, he aha te mea nui i te Ao? Maku e ki atu e, He tangata, He tangata, He tangata he!’

‘Pull out the centre of the flax plant, Where will the bellbird sing?

What is the most significant thing in the world? I say it is people, people, people!’

This waiata (song) refers to the importance of sustaining the lifeforce of Harakeke as a message of conservation, reminding us that our actions today impact upon our ability to survive tomorrow.

When Harakeke flowers appear the earth has warmed up and is ready for seed. People are planting their gardens.

Harakeke, an extremely important plant to Māori and one of the oldest species native to New Zealand and Norfolk Island can be found growing to 3m tall along river banks, in swamps and wetlands, on headlands and hillsides exposed to sunlight.

Harakeke represents the wellbeing and strength of whānau or family and tribe.

When a new shoot or rito appears it is held by awhi rito or parents, who in turn are embraced by tūpuna, grandparents and ancestors. The leaf of the whaea or mother is closest to the rito, the leaf opposite the whaea is the matua or father. When a new rito appears, matua become tupuna, whaea become matua and rito become whaea. When harvesting, only tūpuna are cut from each fan in the flax clump, the leaves of grandparents are used for production and ancestors return to base of the plant to nourish the whānau. If the rito is cut the plant dies. If awhi rito are cut the rito is vulnerable. Harvesting ceases during Whiringa-ā-nuku (5th Matariki month) when dark red-black flowers appear on tall stalks, allowing the plant to rest and replenish and the Tui, Korimako, Tauhou and Geckos to feed on the nectar. Harvest resumes in Hakihea (7th Matariki month) when seed pods have set.

Harakeke has many traditional uses.

4th Matariki Month - Mahuru

2009-09-19T06:44:00.005+12:00

Te Marama o Matariki He Maramataka Mäori - Mahuru

4th Month of the Mäori Year - September/October

Ka hoki mai te Pïpïwharauroa i tönä rerenga ki tawhiti nui ki tawhitiroa. Kua hoki mai ki töna wähi whänautanga, ki te whanau i öna hëki. E püäwai ana te Köwhai, te Puawananga me te Rangiora. Kua aata ara mai a Papatüänuku i tönä moenga roa o te Hötoke. Ka tïmata ngä mahi ki te whakatikatika i ngä mära kai.

Shining Cuckoo return from their migration to lay eggs in the place of their birth. Köwhai, Clematis and Bushmans Friend are now in flower. Earth slowly wakes from a long winter sleep and the ground is prepared for gardens.

Te Tohu o Kaupeka - Rangiora

Sign of the Season - Bushmans Friend

(Brachyglottis repanda)

‘Me te rau Rangiora’

‘Like Rangiora leaves’

This whakatauäkï (proverb) is a reference to the colour of clouds, snow, the crest of the oceans waves, and breast feathers of some birds being likened to the white undersides of the Rangiora leaf.

The underside of the leaves were used as pages for writing on, hence the term Pukapuka, or book

When Rangiora bursts into flower the life force returns to the earth and gardens are prepared for planting.

Rangiora, a native of New Zealand, can be found growing with one or more thin trunks as a small shrub, or tree to 7m tall from sea level to 750m in the North and upper South Island forests, regenerating bush, lowlands and coastal regions.

Rangiora, known also as Pukapuka, Aorangi, Whärangi and Raurëkau, is covered profusely in clusters of tiny cream coloured sweet-scented florets from Mahuru (4th Matariki month) through to Whiringa-ä-rangi (6th Matariki month). Its has broad dark green leathery wavy-edged leaves with soft, deeply membraneous white felt undersides.

The leaves of Rangiora were sacred to Mäori. They were used in ceremonies to clothe the souls of the dead for their journey to the place of departure and babies were wrapped in the leaves upon birth. Mäori also used them for clothing and rites for appeasing the Atua. Leaves were upturned and placed along paths for hunters to see in the night. They were used to line kete for pua bread made from the pollen of raupö and to wrap food in for hangi. Rangiora was also used as rongoa, traditional medicine, though should never be swallowed as all parts of the plant are poisonous, particularly the flowers and sap.

3rd Matariki Month - Here-turi-kōkā

2009-08-19T23:57:00.015+12:00

Te Marama o Matariki He Maramataka Māori -

Here-turi-kōkā

3rd Month of the Māori Year - August/September

Ka maranga mai a Whakaahu ki te tahatü o te Raki ki te Räwhiti, kei te mau mai i te tupuranga höu. Ka maranga mai hoki a Pareärau ki te paerangi o te Räwhiti - Raki ki te Räwhiti ki te ärahi mai, te kukume mai i Te Mangöroa ki te rangi tü-häha. Ka kitea te Korimako e kai ana i ngä putiputi püäwai o te Puahou me ngä Kohekohe. E makariri tonu ana Papatüänuku, engari kei te mahana te tangata mai i te inaina i te ahi.

Te Tohu o Kaupeka - Korimako

Sign of the Season - Bellbird, Anthornis melanura

‘He rite ki te kōpara e kō nei i te ata.’

‘It is said like the bellbird singing at dawn.’

This whakatauākī (proverb) reveals dawn as being the best time for spotting Korimako and is used when referring to someone who is skilled as an orator or who sings beautifully.

When the Korimako is seen feeding on the flowers of Puahou and Kohekohe, the earth is still cold and people are warmed by their fires.

Korimako, a native of New Zealand can be found in the forests and scrublands of off shore islands in the South and North Island and in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Growing to 20cm, the male is olive green with navy blue wings and tail feathers. Its head feathers carry a purplish tinge and its eyes are red. The female is browner and marked with a white stripe under her eye. Its beautiful song of ringing bells differing strangely in dialect from one region to another can be heard in transient times before nightfall and dawn, when it is known as te māra ō Tāne, the voice that calls people to begin working their gardens.

Korimako originated from Rehua or from the union of Tane and Kahuparauri as were the Tūi and Kōkako. It is a bird of great tapu known to carry messages to and from the Heavens. Punaweko and Tūwhaia are its guardians. The wisdom of Korimako and Tūi was heard in karakia prior to the battle of the birds and embraced by the birds of the forest as a strategy for being triumphant over the power of the sea birds. The presence of Korimako or Tūi signals a coming visitor. If rain is approaching Korimako includes a certain chime in its song - i te ō kōparapara.

2nd Matariki Month - Hōngongoi

2009-07-15T14:35:00.000+12:00

Te Marama o Matariki He Maramataka Māori - Hōngongoi

2nd Month of the Māori Year - July/August

Ka maranga mai Kōpū te whetū o te Ata i te 08:18 ki te Rāwhiti. Kei te whai hua te Putaputaweta, ka kitea hoki ngā pūāwai o te Kötukutuku ki runga i te whenua. Kei te tino makariri a Papatūānuku. Me noho tonu te tangata ki te pāinaina i te ahi, kia whai mahana tonu.

Venus, as the morning star rises at 08:18 in the east. Marble Leaf is covered in fruit and flowers of the Fuchsia Tree are found on the ground. Earth is now very cold, people must stay by their fires to keep warm.

Te Tohu o Kaupeka - Kotukutuku

Sign of the Season - Tree Fuchsia

‘I whea koe i te tahuritanga o te rau o te Kōtukutuku, i te raratanga o te waha o te Koekoeā?’

‘Where were you when the Fuchsia shed its leaves, when the song of the Longtailed Cuckoo was heard?’

This whakatauākī (proverb) uses Kōtukutuku and Koekoeā as a reference to time when questioning someone who expected to receive part of the harvest without contributing to its cultivation.

When Kōtukutuku flowers appear the season is very cold, people stay close to their fires to keep warm.

Kōtukutuku belongs to a small family of native New Zealand deciduous trees and is one of the largest Fuchsia species in the world growing to 30ft tall. In New Zealand it is common from sea level to 1060 m and is found along river banks and in second growth areas.

Kōtukutuku, known also as Kōhutuhutu and Matoutou, is descended from Tāne Mahuta, guardian of the Forests and Birds. Its name refers to the fine purple-green hanging bell flowers seen during Hōngongoi (2nd Matariki month) and the deciduous nature in Haratua (12th Matariki month) of its red papery bark and leaves. Its fruit is formed during Kohi Tātea (8th Matariki month), the sweet purple-black egg shaped kōnini, or berry, was a source of food for Māori and made into kōnini pudding and jam by early settlers.

Kōtukutuku flowers provide nectar for Tui, Korimako and Hihi during the cold winter months when food is scarce. The birds in return cross-pollinate the flowers enabling fruit and seeds to be formed, ensuring each others survival. Kōtukutuku was also used as rongoa, traditional medicine, in combination with other plants.

1st Matariki Month - Pipiri

2009-07-09T10:23:00.035+12:00

Te Marama o Matariki He Maramataka Māori - Pipiri

1st Month of the Māori Year - June/July

Pleiades and Rigel can be seen just before dawn in the east-northeast and eastern horizon. Kohekohe is in flower and Supplejack fruit is found on the ground. Earth is now cold, so too are her people.

Te Tohu o Kaupeka - Matariki
Sign of the Season - Pleiades Constellation
‘I haere mai koe i te ao o Puanga, i te Huihui o Matariki, i a Pareārau, i a Poutu-te-rangi. Ka mutu, e tama, ngā whetū homai kai ki Aotea.’
‘You came hither from the realm of Rigel, from the Assembly of the Pleiades, from Jupiter and from Altair. These alone, o child, are the stars which provide food at Aotea.’
This mōteatea (lament) is a reference to signs of the Heavens associated with cultivation in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
When Matariki is seen before dawn the earth is still cold and so too are people however, the appearance of Matariki signals a time to start letting go of the old year and prepare for new life and new growth.
A time to focus on whakapapa or genealogy to know who we are, where we have come from and where we are going. A time to bring whānau or family together, to share stories and knowledge and honour all those who have recently passed. A time for sharing, compassion, to realise dreams and set goals for the future. A time to reflect on the outcome of our actions.

Matariki, known also as Te Huihui o Matariki, Aokai, Hoko-kūmara, M45, Seven Sisters and Little Eyes, an open star cluster of some 500 members seen traversing the sky as a small ‘kite’ of bright hot blue stars, is the most esteemed constellation of the heavens.

A tawhito kōrero (ancient story) tells of Tāne Mahuta drawing the brightest star out of the sky and smashing it back on the breast of Ranginui, created the seven stars that are Matariki and her six daughters, Waiti, Waita, Tupua-nuku, Tupua-rangi, Waipuna-a-rangi and Ururangi. Matariki is said to be the offspring of Raro and Raumati, the personified forms of the underworld and summer. Matariki departs the southern hemisphere during summer for the cold winter of northern hemisphere skies, reappearing again on the tail of Mangōroa the Milky Way in late Haratua (12th Matariki month).

matakite

2009-07-09T10:12:00.000+12:00

www.matakite.co.nz/pleiades

2009-06-24T12:32:00.068+12:00

Matariki - Matariki He Maramataka Māori

Ko Matariki he kāhui whetu, he kāhui rerehua e kitea ana i te atapō i runga ake o te paerangi, ki te taha rāwhiti o te raki. Koia nei te tohu, arā te putanga o Matariki, he tohu mō te paunga o te tau tawhito me te tīmatatanga o te tau hōu, ko tēnei te tīmatatanga o te Maramataka Māori. Ki ētahi iwi anō, ko te whetu Puanga o te kāhui whetu Tautoro e kitea ana ki te taha rāwhiti o Matariki kē te mea whai tikanga. Ko Matariki, he tikanga whakarite i ngā whenga o te wā, tīmata ana i a Whiro Hinamarama, te marama hōu tuatahi, e whai muri tonu mai nei i te putanga o Matariki. Ko te roanga o te tau o Matariki ka whakaritea i ngā huringa a tau o te marama, mai i te wā o te putanga o Matariki tae noa ki te poutanga o te tau. Toru tekau ngā pō o te Marama mō ia huringa a tau (arā, 29.5 ngā rā).

The Pleiades Constellation - Māori System of Time, Seasons & Industry

Matariki (Pleiades) is a constellation or cluster of many stars whose appearance just before dawn on the northeastern horizon towards the end of May each year, signals the completion of one year and the approach of another in the Māori Calendar. For some tribes, it is Puanga (Rigel), a star in the constellation of Orion, rising to the east of Matariki that holds this position. Matariki as a system of time, begins with the first newmoon to follow the heliacal (dawn) rising of the constellation Matariki. The length of a Matariki Year is defined by the number of full lunar cycles that fall between the heliacal risings of Matariki from one year to the next. Each lunar cycle consists of 30 moon-nights (or 29.5 days).