January 13, 2026

#summerseries: Understanding the Maramataka: Māori Lunar Time and Life Rhythms

Matthew Tukaki Posted On January 13, 2026

Aotearoa has long been shaped by knowledge systems that connect people to the land, the stars, and each other. One such taonga is the maramataka – the traditional Māori lunar calendar that guided the lives of our tūpuna and is now experiencing a powerful resurgence as whānau reconnect with the rhythms of te taiao and te marama.

Unlike the Western Gregorian calendar, which follows the sun over 365 days, maramataka is based on the phases of the moon and its relationship with stars like Matariki and Puanga. Each lunar month – roughly 29-30 nights long – has its own sequence of phases and names that tell us not just the time of the month but the energetic qualities of each night and how they affect people, plants, animals, and the natural world.

In traditional Māori life, the maramataka wasn’t simply a way to count days – it was a living guide to daily activities. Certain nights were recognised as ideal for fishing, planting, gathering kai or holding hui, while others were times for rest and reflection. Tūpuna used observations of the moon, tides, weather and stars to sustain their communities in harmony with the environment.

To explore how this mātauranga (traditional knowledge) works and why it still matters today, Radio Waatea spoke with Rereata Makiha, a maramataka expert and holder of ancestral knowledge.

Listen to the full interview with Rereata Makiha here:
https://waateanews.com/2025/06/13/paakiwaha-rereata-makiha/

In the interview, Makiha explains that “maramataka” literally means “the turning of the moon” and shares how each phase has its own name and significance, influencing everything from the success of fishing to the wellbeing of whānau. He reminds us that different iwi and hapū have their own versions of maramataka – tailored to local skies, tides and seasonal signals – and that this knowledge was deeply woven into daily life across Aotearoa.

Today, many Māori are reviving this lunar knowledge as a way to reconnect with te taiao, improve hauora (wellbeing), maintain cultural practice, and strengthen intergenerational ties. Schools, wānanga and whānau groups are increasingly exploring how the maramataka can enrich education, environmental awareness and personal rhythm with the natural world.

Understanding the maramataka is more than understanding a calendar – it’s learning to live in harmony with the moon, the land and the cycles of life. In a time where many seek deeper connection and sustainability, this ancient wisdom offers insight, balance and a renewed sense of belonging.

Stay tuned to Radio Waatea’s #SummerSeries for more stories that celebrate Māori knowledge, identity and wellbeing.