Maramataka 101
The fall or turning of the moon is just one indicator that was used by our ancestors to track time. Following a lunar calendar is not unique to Aotearoa it is continuously practiced throughout the world still by indigenous. Ramadan, China, India who all track their National patterns in accordance with the ebb and flow of a lunar calendar.
While it’s use as a timing mechanism is not so relevant for majority of New Zealanders, for indigenous there is still so much we can learn about time by being more connected to a indigenous world view and therefore an indigenous division of time.
01
Mōkai Pātea
A maramtaka that has evolved from my koroua Utiku Potaka, Chief and Rangatira of Ngaati Hauiti who lived across the lands of modern day Mookai Paatea. The original maramataka was discovered in a diary dated 1868. The phase names and discoveries continue to present themselves in tohu, tuhi and tirotiro every day, having been tested and developed since its discovery by descendants. A true taonga tuku iho!
02
Whanganui River Trust Board
This Maramataka was made developed on behalf of Ben Potaka in line with his research around paa tuna and was developed from Maramataka sources from John Tuera and Te Wera Firmin of Ngaati Hinearo, Tuera hapuu of Atihaunuiapaparangi.
03
Ngā Rauru - Ruatiti
This Maramataka was discovered amongst documents with a descendant belonging to
04
Maramataka
While we have so much evidence that looks at Maramataka within our relationship with taiao, it a more modern context it would be interesting to explore the nature of maramataka and its
